Mono disease better known as the infectious mononucleosis disease is quite a common illness that is caused by a virus. The Epstein Barr virus which belongs to the herpes family causes this condition. This illness is also called the kissing disease or glandular fever. The symptoms associated with this condition include sore throat, fever and malaise. Mononucleosis actually refers to an increase in lymphocytes which are special kind of white blood cells.

The mono disease is caused by EBV and this virus infects most individuals at some point of time. However in most cases an antibody against this virus is detected in the blood of people. This disease is diagnosed among adolescents as well as young adults. This disease is normally spread through contact from one person to another.

Mono disease is primarily transmitted through saliva. The term kissing disease is derived because of transmission of mono in this form. A person can also pass this illness through coughing, sneezing and in this infected saliva or mucus may be suspended in air and this may be inhaled by other individuals. This condition can also be contracted by sharing beverages or food from container of the infected person.

The incubation period for the mono disease is around four to six weeks and most people who are exposed to the virus tend to develop immunity. Malaise and lack of energy are commonly experienced in this condition along with chills and loss of appetite. In the initial stages these symptoms are experienced for one to around three days. Following these symptoms individuals tend to experience severe sore throat, fever along with swelling of lymph nodes in neck region.

Those suffering from mono disease may also get fever between 102 to around 104F and suffer from reddened throat as well as tonsils. In as many as one third of mono cases the tonsils tend to get a whitish coating. In many cases the spleen also tends to get swollen or enlarged.

In some cases of mono disease patients may also suffer from enlargement of liver. In a small proportion of cases patients also get splotchy red rash on their body and this rash is quite similar to the rash experienced in measles. The mono disease is diagnosed through an examination of the signs and symptoms.

Blood tests are also done so as to determine the possibility of other condition causing symptoms similar to those experienced in mono disease. Blood test may also reflect increase in lymphocytes. The mono diagnosis can be confirmed through specific tests like heterophine antibody test and the monospot test. Blood chemistry test may also be done to identify abnormalities in the functioning of the liver.

Mono disease in most cases does not require any specific treatment as like other viral diseases it tends to resolve on its own. Treatment if any may be followed to gain relief from the symptoms associated with this condition. The strep throat can be treated with erythromycin along with penicillin. Medicines like amoxicillin and ampicillin ought to be avoided as patients taking these medicines may develop rash.

Fever as well as body ache can be treated with acetaminophen. Sleep and rest are extremely crucial for healing purposes. The soreness of the throat may be worse in the first five or seven days of this condition and then subside. Many patients tend to experience tiredness and fatigue for months after the acute phase ends. In rare cases the complications that may occur in this illness include hepatitis, red blood cell destruction and inflammation of sac that surrounds the heart. Other complications may include inflammation of the heart muscle and brain inflammation.