These Symptoms Of Mono Help Determine If It's The Virus, Or You're Just Tired

At a time of year when people are coming down with viruses of all kinds, it can be hard to tell if it's a run-of-the-mill flu, or something more serious, like mononucleosis.

Mono, known as the "kissing disease" or more technically as the Epstein-Barr virus, is often associated with teenagers, but people of any age (including little kids) can get it. It is most common in people aged 15 to 30, because as a member of the herpes virus family, many older people have build an immunity to it, according to Healthline.

While the virus itself is not dissimilar to the flu, it does have longer lasting effects, often taking people out of commission for one to two months. According to WebMD, symptoms start to show four to six weeks after being exposed to the virus, which is passed via direct transmission of saliva — which can mean anything from sharing drinks and lip balm to kissing.

But how can you tell if what you have is a cold or flu, or mono? The first clue is you're not getting better after one or two weeks of rest, and it's at this point you need to see your doctor, recommends Healthline. Take a look at the other symptoms of mono, and what you can do to get yourself better, in the slideshow below:

Symptoms Of Mono

Sore Throat(01 of09)

One of the first signs of mono is a sore throat and swollen lymph nodes, often in the neck and armpit. Tonsils might have a whitish-yellow coating, notes the U.S. Library of Medicine. If you have a very sore throat for more than three days, visit a doctor to determine the cause, as it could also be strep throat. (credit:Fuse via Getty Images)

Fever(02 of09)

A persistent fever that is higher than 102F is another indicator of mono. As with the sore throat, over-the-counter medications can be used to try to get the temperature down and reduce pain. (credit:Terry Doyle via Getty Images)

Fatigue(03 of09)

Tiredness is probably the symptom most commonly associated with mono, and it can persist even after the one-to-two-month run of the virus. If it lasts longer than six months, it's often diagnosed as chronic fatigue syndrome, an illness that is still being understood, but is associated with tiredness and depression. (credit:OJO_Images via Getty Images)

Lack Of Appetite(04 of09)

It's no surprise that being tired will also result in a loss of appetite, but not eating could also come from the pain you may be feeling in your throat. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends eating antioxidant-rich foods to strengthen your immune system, as well as gargling with salt water for your throat and drinking lots of fluids to stay hydrated. (credit:BananaStock via Getty Images)

Muscle Aches And Pains(05 of09)

Sore muscles are another indicator of the illness, so pay attention if you're feeling weak in the joints. As well, people who are diagnosed with mono are recommended to stay away from aerobic exercise and heavy lifting for approximately two months. (credit:Juriah Mosin via Getty Images)

Headache(06 of09)

If a headache accompanies the other symptoms, that's quite normal — sometimes it's people's first indication of the virus. Use over-the-counter medications to control the pain. (credit:ONOKY - Eric Audras via Getty Images)

Abdominal Pain(07 of09)

In about 50 per cent of cases, mono can cause an enlarging of the spleen, which is located under your rib cage in the upper left part of your abdomen. The spleen is connected to the lymph system in the body, so might enlarge when infected. It's for this reason people are warned against contact sports for a few months after being diagnosed, as an enlarged spleen can more easily rupture and be in need of emergency surgery, according to KidsHealth. (credit:stevanovicigor)

Rash(08 of09)

Sometimes mono comes with a rash, though it often appears once you've taken antibiotics for your sore throat, according to WebMD. (credit:Bill Beatty via Getty Images)

Night Sweats(09 of09)

Another sign of mono could be night sweats, especially if you have a fever and don't usually experience this in the middle of the night. (credit:Peter Dazeley via Getty Images)

causes of mono do i have mono glandular fever living living video

These Symptoms Of Mono Help Determine If It's The Virus, Or You're Just Tired

Related

From Our Partner