Symptoms of Mono(Infectious Mononucleosis Symptoms)
Mono also called as Infectious mononucleosis or glandular fever is caused due to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). The virus causing mono is transmitted through saliva and therefore even kissing can spread this virus. For this reason mono is also referred to as a kissing disease. Mono is less contagious as compared to other infections but coughing or sneezing can spread the virus that causes mono.
Mono is not a life-threatening disease but the virus remains in the body for lifetime. The incubation period of the virus is four to six weeks, however in younger children the period may be shorter. People of any age group can be infected by Mono. The symptoms of mono differ for all age groups depending upon the severity of the infection. First we will see some common symptoms of mono and then we will move on to symptoms of mono for different age groups. Some of the common symptoms of mono include:
- Weakness or lack of energy
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Abdominal pain
- Severe sore throat
- Swollen glands in your neck
- Sweating in the night
- Rashes on the skin
Symptoms of Mono in Children
Mono in children between the ages of 4 and 15 is difficult to detect and the symptoms of mono in the children seem to be mild. The virus may cause a mild illness that is similar to a common respiratory infection. The symptoms of mono in children include:
- Mild illness or fever
- Loss of appetite
- Light fatigue
Symptoms of Mono in Teenagers
Teenagers are most probably infected by mono. It is found that about 50% of the teenagers are infected by mono. The symptoms of mono in teenagers may be sometimes horrible giving you a feeling of weakness or tiredness. The appearance of symptoms of mono generally takes about 4 to 8 weeks, however in some cases it may take even 12 weeks to develop. The symptoms of Mono in teenagers include:
- Loss of appetite
- Extreme fatigue
- Illness or Fever
- Sore throat
- Swollen glands
- Soft, swollen spleen
- Rashes on skin
Symptoms of Mono in Adults
The symptoms of mono in adults are found to be more severe than those in children and teenagers. Loss of energy is the most common symptom of mono in adults and those suffering from the infection will offer suffer from fatigue ness. The symptoms of mono in adults are same as those of teenagers but in addition to these symptoms there are some more symptoms that include:
- Neck stiffness
- Infection like Jaundice
- Increased heart rate
- Difficulty in breathing
