One of the least well known sexually transmitted infections is called mononucleosis although it is spread in non-sexual ways too. It is also referred to as the kissing bug. But what is it? The infectious type of mono is caused by a virus which is most commonly the Epstein-Barr virus. Mono can occur as a result of other viruses but EBV, which is a type of herpes virus, is the most common cause.
Whilst children can get mono, the infection is most commonly seen in young adults and teenagers. Amazingly, in the United States, 90% of the population will be infected with EBV by the time they are 35 years of age! The majority will never develop symptoms but around 25% will go on to develop mononucleosis.
Whilst EBV accounts for around 90% of mono infections, there are other viruses that can cause it too:
HIV
Herpes Simplex Virus
Toxoplasmosis
Rubella
Hepatitis A, B and C
Adenovirus
So, how does someone know if they have mononucleosis?
The symptoms can include a rash on the body, a sore throat, swollen neck and armpit lymph nodes, loss of appetite, headache, swollen liver and aching muscles or weakness.
The length of time symptoms can last varies with some people unwell for a fortnight, while others can experience illness for 6 months. Younger children are equally prone to the virus but are much more likely to be asymptomatic.
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It is referred to as the kissing bug because saliva is one of the main ways that the Epstein Barr virus transmits and it starts to shed inside the throat. EBV can spread through:
Kissing
Sneezing or coughing
Sharing of food and drinks
More rarely – through organ transplants
When you think about how frequently young people and teens share lipsticks, drinks and even kiss, then you can see how widespread this infection can be. There is no special treatment for mono, normally the body just requires rest and recuperation while the immune system fights back and produces antibodies.
There is no vaccine and antibiotics or antivirals don’t work against this virus so all that is required is to keep well hydrated, taking painkillers to manage any symptoms and getting plenty of rest.
Thankfully, most people will create a robust immune response and so it’s unlikely that someone will suffer from the infection twice. The virus does remain dormant in the system and those who are immunocompromised can experience symptoms again if the virus is reactivated.
In the UK, mono is more commonly referred to as glandular fever. Thankfully, it isn’t as contagious as other infections, like the common cold, for example and while it might make you feel a little ropey for a couple of weeks, it will not generally cause any long lasting harm.
