Infectious Mononucleosis (Mono) facts

• Infectious mononucleosis (mono) is a contagious illness caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).
• The infection can be spread by saliva, and the incubation period for mono is four to eight weeks.
• Most adults have laboratory evidence (antibodies against the EBV) indicative of a previous infection with EBV and are immune to further infection.
• The symptoms of mono include fever, fatigue, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes.
• The diagnosis of mono is confirmed by blood tests.
• Mono can cause liver inflammation (hepatitis) and enlargement of the spleen.
• People who have had mono can continue to shed virus particles in their saliva during reactivations of the viral infection throughout their lifetime.
• Vigorous contact sports should be avoided in the illness and recovery phase to prevent rupture of the spleen.