Mononucleosis
Mononucleosis (also known as "mono") is a virus that is most often found in children and adolescents. It is passed through saliva exchange and is sometimes known as the "kissing disease." Besides a severe sore throat, symptoms of mononucleosis can include fatigue, weakness, aches, dizziness, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, and an enlarged spleen.
Mononucleosis can only be diagnosed by using a blood test. Since mononucleosis is a virus, there are no antibiotics that treat it. General treatment for mono is rest, plenty of fluids, and acetaminophen for the aches and pains. Mono may last for several weeks, and the symptoms may recur for several months. The lymph nodes may remain enlarged for several months even after the rest of the symptoms have gone away. If you think that you or your child has mono, call your doctor.
