Infectious Mononucleosis Also called: Glandular fever, Kissing disease, Mono, Mononucleosis Summary Infectious mononucleosis, or “mono”, is an infection usually caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. The virus spreads through saliva, which is why it’s sometimes called “kissing disease.” Mono occurs most often in teens and young adults. However, you can get it at any age. Symptoms of mono include Fever Sore throat Swollen lymph glands Sometimes you may also have a swollen spleen. Serious problems are rare. A blood test can show if you have mono. Most people get better in two to four weeks. However, you may feel tired for a few months afterward. Treatment focuses on helping symptoms and includes medicines for pain and fever, warm salt water gargles and plenty of rest and fluids. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Start Here About Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention About Infectious Mononucleosis Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Mononucleosis American Academy of Family Physicians Encyclopedia Anti-smooth muscle antibody Cryoglobulins Lactate dehydrogenase test LDH isoenzyme blood test Quantitative nephelometry T-cell count Find an Expert Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Clinical Trials ClinicalTrials.gov: Epstein-Barr Virus Infections National Institutes of Health ClinicalTrials.gov: Infectious Mononucleosis National Institutes of Health Diagnosis and Tests Epstein-Barr Virus Antibodies Test American Association for Clinical Chemistry Mono Test American Association for Clinical Chemistry Array Epstein-Barr virus test Mononucleosis Mononucleosis spot test Genetics Genetics Home Reference: X-linked lymphoproliferative disease National Library of Medicine Teenagers How Is Mono Spread? Nemours Foundation How Long Is Mono Contagious? Nemours Foundation Mononucleosis Nemours Foundation Children Mononucleosis (For Parents) Nemours Foundation What’s Mono? Nemours Foundation Related Issues Mononucleosis: Can It Recur? Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Journal Articles Epstein-Barr virus infections Mononucleosis
