🤒 MONONUCLEOSIS (MONO): What Teens & Parents Should Know
What is Mono?
Mononucleosis (often called “mono” or “the kissing disease”) is a viral illness most commonly caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). It spreads through saliva, but also through sharing drinks, utensils, or close contact (like sneezing or coughing). It’s most common in teens and young adults.
🧠 QUICK FACTS:
- Caused by a virus – antibiotics won’t help.
- Most people recover in 2–4 weeks, but fatigue can last longer.
- Mono is not usually dangerous, but complications can happen (like an enlarged spleen).
- It is recommended to stay out of sports for at least 3 weeks from start of symptoms due to risk of rupture of the spleen.
🤧 COMMON SYMPTOMS:
- Extreme fatigue (can last weeks)
- Sore throat (often severe) with white "pus pockets" called exudate on the tonsils
- Swollen lymph nodes (back of neck and under jaw)
- Fever
- Headache
- Body aches
- Swollen eyes (especially in the morning)
- Rash (less common) - especially if amoxicillin is given for presumed or co-existing Strep throat
- Enlarged spleen or liver (in some cases)
- Jaundice (yellow skin and eyes) is possible
🧪 DIAGNOSIS:
- Physical exam for enlarged lymph nodes, swollen tonsils, jaundice, and enlarged spleen
- Blood tests (like the Monospot or EBV titers, liver tests)
🛌 HOW TO TREAT MONO:
There’s no cure—but you can manage symptoms:
- REST as much as possible
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Use acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain/fever
- Avoid sports or heavy lifting (especially if the spleen is enlarged)
⚠️ Teens with mono should avoid contact sports for at least 3–4 weeks to prevent spleen rupture—a rare but serious complication. Get clearance from your clinician prior to returning to sports.
🚫 WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR:
- Severe belly pain (especially left upper side)
- Trouble breathing or swallowing
- Rash after starting antibiotics (some can trigger it with mono)
- Fever lasting more than 10 days
- Yellowing of skin or eyes
🧼 PREVENTING THE SPREAD:
- Don’t share drinks, food, utensils, lip balm, or toothbrushes
- Avoid kissing while sick
- Wash hands often
Mono isn’t as contagious as the common cold, but it can still spread through close contact.
🧠 GOOD TO KNOW:
- Once you’ve had mono, the virus stays in your body but usually doesn’t cause more problems.
- Most people only get mono once.
- Fatigue can linger—listen to your body and don’t rush back to full activity.
💬 Support Tip for Parents:
Your teen may seem unusually tired or “lazy” during recovery—this is real, not just teenage behavior. Offer encouragement, adjust school/sports expectations, and talk with your doctor about returning to activities safely.
