Good morning people! Just thought I would let you in on some things to staying healthy and not getting mononucleosis. First off, if you have had mononucleosis (MONO) you already know...it SUCKS! Let me tell you exactly what it is... Mononucleosis (often called "mono") is an infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. Signs of mono include fever, sore throat, headaches, white patches on the back of your throat, swollen glands in your neck, feeling tired and not feeling hungry. Mono is not spread as easily as some other viruses, such as the common cold. The mono virus is found in saliva and mucus. It is usually passed from one person to another through kissing, although it may rarely be passed in other ways, such as coughing. Signs of mono usually develop 4 to 6 weeks after you're exposed to the virus. Generally, people only get mono once. It's most common among people 15 to 35 years old Your doctor will probably first ask you some questions about your symptoms and then may do blood tests to confirm the diagnosis. One common test used to diagnose mono is called the Monospot test. Sometimes other blood tests are needed if the results of the Monospot test aren't clear. Sometimes. The main serious concern with mono is that the spleen will enlarge and even rupture (tear open). The spleen is like a large gland. It's located in the upper part of your abdomen on the left side. It helps filter your blood. Although a ruptured spleen is rare in people with mono, it's wise to be aware of the signs and call your doctor right away if you notice any of them. Signs of a ruptured spleen include pain in the left upper part of your abdomen (under the left chest), feeling lightheaded, feeling like your heart is beating fast and hard, bleeding more easily than usual and having trouble breathing. Can mono be cured? No. But mono will go away on its own. Symptoms usually last about 4 weeks. How is mono treated? The main point of treatment is to relieve your symptoms. The following list includes tips on treatment. Rest. Drink plenty of fluids. If you have a sore throat, gargle with salt water, or suck on throat lozenges, hard candy or flavored frozen desserts (such as Popsicles). You may want to take acetaminophen (one brand name: Tylenol) or ibuprofen (some brand names: Advil, Motrin, Nuprin) to relieve pain and fever. Do not give aspirin to children. Aspirin should be avoided because it has been associated with a disease called Reye's syndrome in children. Reye's syndrome is a serious illness that can lead to death. Avoid sports, activities or exercise of any kind until your doctor tells you it's safe. Moving around too much puts you at risk of rupturing your spleen. You need to avoid physical activities for about 3 to 4 weeks after the infection starts. Now that you know a little more about mono, you might want to prevent your kids from getting it or even yourself. I'm 18 years old, take a muti-vitamin everyday, work out all the time, and snowboard each week when I can. I am very active! I don't smoke so I know I'm pretty healthy! My girlfriend had mono before christmas and I guess I got it from her ("kissing disease") alwell. It happens. The best thing I have done so far to keep myself from getting extremely tired is just lay dowm and watch movies and just take it easy. I haven't gone out anywhere other than the post office to ship a few things. I feel myself getting tired just walking up the stairs. My throat hurt REALLY BAD the first 2 nights! I thought I was gonna need to go to the hospital! Gargaling warm salt water helps your throat though. It helps quite a bit too! Usually with mono there is white puss on your tonsils that can hurt really bad. The warm salt water helps loosin it up and get it off. In some extreme cases the person who is sick...like myself...may need to have their tonsils removed. THATS ME! This upcoming June, I have to have my tonsils removed! I have never had surgery but hope all goes well. Now....not getting mono! If your girlfriend has it...DON'T KISS HER! Don't drink after her just hold her hand! Dont drink after other people! It just spreads otehr germs. I know all this is obvious to many but its hard going 3 weeks without that one kiss:( lol. If you start feeling tired or your legs begin to hurt and muscles ache...go get it checked out! 3 weeks prior to me being diagnosed with mono, my hamstring muscles hurt really bad! I went to the doctor and she said I could have mono but it was too early for a blood test to be able to show it. In the end thats what it was...I had mono. Just be careful and relax if you get mono...DO NOT PUSH YOURSELF! Just take it easy and let it make you sick and your body will recover! Hope all of you stay healthy!