Infectious mononucleosis is a viral infection which is also called mono disease or the kissing disease. This condition is marked by symptoms that include sore throat, fever and swelling in the lymph nodes in the neck region. To understand what is mono learning about the symptoms related to this condition is extremely crucial.

For understanding what is mono it is important to learn that the Epstein Barr virus is responsible for causing this condition. This condition is largely diagnosed in teenagers as well as young adults. Most individuals tend to be infected with this virus at some point of time but the antibodies fight the invading virus.

For understanding what is mono it is also important to learn that the infection can spread through close contact. The virus can be easily transmitted through saliva as well as through genital secretions and blood. Sharing of utensils with infected individuals can also result in transmission of the condition.

what is mono can also be understood from the symptoms associated with this condition. Those suffering from this condition often experience fever along with severe sore throat and inflammation of the spleen. In the initial stages the patients tend to experience fatigue along with headache, sore throat and general weakness. The sore throat may get worse and in some cases the tonsils swell and get a whitish coating. Some rare symptoms associated with this condition include chest pain, cough, neck stiffness, rapid heart rate, and shortness of breath, hives and sensitivity to light.

The diagnosis of this condition includes an examination of the symptoms along with blood tests. The blood tests may include complete blood count along with test to check the liver functioning. An elevation in liver enzymes is seen in maximum mono cases. Heterophile antibody test may also be conducted to identify the heterophile antibodies that are present in maximum mono cases.

To learn what is mono the treatment for this condition should also be understood. Like other viral infections this condition tends to get resolved in time and so the treatment is mostly directed towards providing relief from the symptoms. Fever and the pain can be managed through acetaminophen along with ibuprofen. Using warm saltwater for gargling can provide relief from sore throat. It is also advisable for those suffering from this condition to drink fluids.

In some cases corticosteroids may be taken to prevent airway obstruction. Learning what is mono also includes understanding about the precautions that need to be taken to recover from this condition. Strenuous exercise or contact sports should be avoided in this condition as vigorous activity can cause the spleen to rupture.

In some cases certain complications associated with this condition may occur. These complications include red blood cells destruction, airway obstruction and spleen rupturing. Decrease in blood platelets may occur in some cases and inflammation of the heart muscle can also occur in rare cases. Rest is extremely important in healing from this condition. Patients should not take medicines like amoxicillin or ampicillin for the throat as it can result in development of a peculiar rash.