Health Topics for Common Illnesses

UI Children's Hospital

UI Family Care Centers

Divisions Within the Department of Pediatrics

Infectious Mononucleosis

Infectious mononucleosis is a viral infection that can be transmitted by kissing. It is also known as "mono" or "the kissing disease" and is most common in older teens and young adults.

Symptoms include:

• severe sore throat

• fever

• fatigue

• weakness

• aches

• dizziness

• swollen lymph nodes in the neck or

• enlarged spleen

Mono can last for several weeks, but the symptoms can recur for several months. Lymph nodes may remain swollen for up to two to three months.

There is no specific treatment for this disease. Ninety-five percent of patients with infectious mononucleosis require only supportive care such as:

• rest

• increased fluids

• aspirin or acetaminophen to relieve symptoms and

• gargling with warm salt water (one half teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of warm water) to reduce swelling and discomfort of the throat.

To prevent mono:

• avoid contact with people who have sore throats

• do not share eating or drinking utensils and

• avoid intimate contact with others if you or they have been diagnosed with mono

Copyright (c) 1999. HBO & Company (602) 230-7575. All Rights Reserved.