A cough and respiratory symptoms are less likely with viral infections such as mono.
The lack of these symptoms can help differentiate mononucleosis from other infections with similar symptoms.
Mononucleosissometimes known as the “kissing disease"is due to theEpstein-Barr virus (EBV).
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EBV is most common during childhood when it produces few, if any, symptoms.
In adolescents, teens, and young adults, EBV can cause symptoms that can last for weeks.
This article looks at common and uncommon signs of mononucleosis, including possible complications and treatments.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
It also explains when it is time to see a healthcare provider if you get mono.
It may only be recognized during a physical exam and will eventually resolve without treatment.
Variations in Symptoms by Age
Different age groups experience mononucleosis differently.
Older adults often also lack more classic mono symptoms but are vulnerable to more serious complications.
The reason that EBV is so mild in babies and younger children is poorly understood.
If they do, they tend to be mild and easily dismissed or ignored.
In some people, this can lead to disease progression and complications like severe anemia and liver inflammation.
Complications
Complications of mononucleosis are uncommon but can be serious.
The risk is greater the older a person gets.
Possible complications include:
Can Mono Get Into Your Lungs?
While few cases have been reported in the medical literature.
EBV pneumonitis can be especially severe and mostly involves people who are severelyimmunocompromised.
Treatment is mainly focused on the management of symptoms.
Antibiotics are not used because they treat bacterial infections, not viral ones.
The only exception is if there is a secondary infection liketonsillitis.
Arguably, the greatest concern related to mononucleosis is splenomegaly.
When to Call 911
A ruptured spleen is a medical emergency.
Adolescents, teens, and young adults are more likely to be affected.
Babies and children are less commonly affected and may have few, if any, symptoms.
Dunmire SK, Hogquist KA, Balfour HH.Infectious mononucleosis.Curr Top Microbiol Immunol.
doi:10.1128/JVI.00382-17
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).
doi:10.1002/14651858.CD004402.pub3
National Health Service (UK).Spleen problems and spleen removal.
Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and Infectious Mononucleosis.
Epstein-Barr Virus and Infectious Mononucleosis.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
