The “kissing disease” and “mono” are slang for an ailment called infectious mononucleosis. Although mono can affect any age group, it is most common in teens and 20-somethings.

A virus called Epstein-Barr is to blame for up to 85% of mono cases. It’s spread through saliva, which explains its amorous nickname.

What Does Mono Feel Like?
About four to seven weeks after becoming infected, a person with mono usually develops these three symptoms:

• Severe sore throat
• Fever
• Swollen lymph glands in the neck and sometimes in the armpits and groin

Other symptoms may include:

• exhaustion
• headache
• white patches at the back of the throat
• swollen tonsils
• puffy eyes
• low appetite
• rash
• yellow eyes and skin.

Visit your doctor if you think you or your teen might have mono. A blood test can detect it and rule out other causes of symptoms.

How Can I Beat Mono?
Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment for mono. Instead, most people focus on easing the agony of their symptoms, which usually last one to four weeks.

To help soothe mono symptoms until they fade:

• Get lots of rest. This usually means staying in bed for a few days and limiting your activities until the fever and other symptoms decrease.
• Drink plenty of liquids. Cold drinks or warm tea with honey may feel good on a sore throat.
• Other strategies for a sore throat: Suck on hard candy, Popsicles, or over-the-counter (OTC) lozenges. Gargle with salt water several times a day. Use a humidifier in the bedroom.
• Take an OTC pain reliever—such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen—to help combat the fever and any pain. Children and teens shouldn’t take aspirin, which can cause a rare, but serious, disease called Reye’s syndrome.
• Call your doctor if you or your teen has breathing problems. This affects some with mono who get a swollen throat.
• A sick person can spread the mono-causing virus to others for several weeks. To avoid spreading it in your home, make sure that everyone washes their hands frequently. And don’t share glasses or utensils.

The incidence of mono is 12 to 30 times higher in Caucasians than in African-Americans. However, it strikes women and men equally.

Now there’s a terrific team to count on whenever illness or minor emergencies show up unexpectedly. Baptist Prime Care, a service of Western Baptist Hospital, provides walk-in care for immediate peace of mind. Baptist Prime Care is located at 5158 Village Drive in Paducah. For more information, call 270-443-4311.