Mononucleosis is one of those diseases that can affect anyone, regardless of their age, gender, or where they live. If you’re reading this blog, you’ve probably had mononucleosis or know someone who has.
But most people don’t know how to react when they get it. Is it an STD? Do they need treatment?
If you think you have Mono and are wondering what to do about it, read on.
Is it Mono or something more serious? Find out with Better2Know.
What is Infectious Mononucleosis?
Mononucleosis, also known as “Mono” or the “kissing disease,” is a viral infection often caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).
It affects the lymphatic system, a part of the immune system that helps fight infections and diseases.
What are the symptoms of Mono?
Classic Mono symptoms can include:
- Fatigue
- Fever
- A sore throat
- Swollen lymph nodes or glands in the neck and armpits
- Body pain
- Rash
- Headache
- Jaundice (in rare cases)
The symptoms of Mono can last for weeks or even months – up to six months in some cases – making it difficult to function while suffering from the virus. People infected with Mononucleosis may experience extreme exhaustion and difficulty concentrating due to the lingering effects caused by the virus.
Mono can wreak havoc on the student population. Due to the contagiousness of the disease and the serious consequences for a person’s functioning, students with Mono are often forced to remain in isolation for days, weeks or even months, causing them to experience delays in their studies. It is not uncommon for secondary and tertiary students to miss entire semesters due to Mono.
How does Mono spread?
Mononucleosis spreads through close contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person.
After all, we call Mono the “kissing disease” because the disease spreads easily through saliva and mouth-to-mouth contact. But kissing isn’t the only way this infection can spread.
Mono can spread easily by sharing food and drinking glasses, coughing and sneezing, and touching surfaces contaminated with the virus. However, mono is not an airborne disease, so it cannot spread by breathing the air around someone who has the disease.
Can Mono spread through sex?
Mononucleosis can be spread through sexual contact, including kissing and the exchange of other bodily fluids. Therefore, this infection can be classified as a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
However, mono is not normally considered an STD by medical professionals because the main route of transmission is kissing, which is not necessarily part of sex. It can get even more confusing because Mono has many symptoms in common with some STDs Herpes, HIVAnd Hepatitis B And c.
How do I know it’s Mono?
Although Mono shows obvious symptoms, there is no way to know unless you get tested. If you think you may have gotten an infection from sexual contact, get it And an STD test, just in case.
Can Mono Be Treated?
There is no vaccine against mononucleosis and it cannot be cured. However, it usually resolves on its own. Treatment focuses on controlling and relieving symptoms. These include:
- Get enough rest
- Using over-the-counter medications to reduce fever or pain
- Drink fluids
- Gargle with warm salt water to soothe a sore throat
- Use throat sprays or lozenges
Also avoid contact sports that can cause your spleen to rupture.
Final thoughts
If you are experiencing symptoms of Mono but are not sure what you have, you should have a sexual health test.
At Better2Know we offer a range of confidential STD testing services to help you take control of your sexual health. Call the number above to speak to one of our Sexual Health Advisors.
Don’t leave your sexual health to chance.
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