Mononucleosis (mono) myths debunked   – CHOC

Myths and facts about mononucleosis (mono) 

Have you ever heard of mononucleosis, or mono, called “the kissing disease?”

There’s some confusion and misinformation about exactly how kids and teens get mono, says Dr. Delma Nieves, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at CHOC.   

Here, she clears up some truths and falsehoods about mono and offers treatment and prevention tips.

Myths about mononucleosis (mono)

Myth: You can be vaccinated against mono.

There is no vaccine for mononucleosis. Mono is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), for which there is no vaccine.

Myth: Kids and adolescents get mono only from kissing.

Mono can be spread in a few different ways, not just from kissing.

Because Epstein-Barr is an airborne virus, it is passed by “droplet spread,” Dr. Nieves says.

Specifically, mono is spread by contact with the saliva of an infected person by kissing, coughing, sneezing, sharing eating utensils or sharing beverages.

Myth: Antibiotics will knock out mono.

There are no antibiotics that work well against the mono virus, says Dr. Nieves.

Instead, someone with mono should treat their symptoms with lots of rest; salt water gargling and throat lozenges to soothe a sore throat; and acetaminophen or ibuprofen to aid associated aches and pains if needed.

Myth: Mono is a mild disease that you can ignore.

Mono can be fairly mild, but rarely it can have complications which can be very serious, Dr. Nieves says.

Mono is a common cause of prolonged fevers. Mono can cause hepatitis, which is inflammation of the liver. It may also enlarge the spleen, making contact sports off-limits until the patient is cleared by a doctor. Rarely, Mono can also cause inflammation of the heart, which could lead to heart failure.

If your child exhibits symptoms of mono, contact your pediatrician for an accurate diagnosis.

Facts about mononucleosis (mono)

Fact: Mononucleosis is a viral infection.

Mononucleosis is a viral infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. It’s a common virus most children and teens get exposed to at some time while growing up.

Most people first become infected through household transmission, such as from parents or siblings. In the United States, about 90% of adults have been infected. Most people have a mild infection but some people, especially teens and young adults who become newly infected, can develop a more serious case, says Dr. Nieves.

Fact: Symptoms of mono can be mistaken for other illnesses.

Signs of mono usually show up one to two months after someone is infected with the virus. The most common symptoms may be mistaken for strep throat or the flu, says Dr. Nieves.

Most people go in to see their healthcare provider because of the fatigue and sore throat from the tonsils getting inflamed. Mono can be confused with other viruses like strep throat.

If you suspect your child has mono symptoms, call your pediatrician. They can do an exam to rule out other illnesses.

Fact: Mono symptoms are usually mild, but can also be severe.

Common symptoms of mononucleosis include high fever, severe sore throat, swollen lymph nodes and tonsils and muscle weakness or fatigue.

Infants and young kids infected with EBV virus usually have very mild symptoms or none at all. But infected teens and young adults often develop the symptoms that define mono.

Additional symptoms may also be seen in severe mono cases, such as skin rashes or belly pain with a larger-than-normal liver or spleen (an organ in the upper left part of the belly).

Fact: The best treatment for mono is rest.

The best treatment for mono is rest and plenty of fluids. That’s all you can do, and to avoid contact sports because the spleen may be enlarged making it more likely to get injured, says Dr. Nieves.

Fact: Mono prevention is just like flu prevention.

You can do the same things to prevent mono as you would to prevent the flu, like washing your hands, practicing good hygiene, getting plenty of sleep and avoiding close contact with anyone who has it.

For more health and wellness resources from the pediatric experts at CHOC, sign up for the Kids Health newsletter.

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