Question 1

What exactly is mononucleosis (mono)?

Accepted Answer

Mononucleosis (mono) is a disease caused by viruses, most commonly the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). It's contagious and spreads from person to person, and is especially common in teenagers and young adults. (Source: MedlinePlus)

Question 2

How does mono spread from one person to another?

Accepted Answer

Mono spreads through body fluids, especially saliva (spit), so you can get it by kissing someone who has it. You can also catch it by sharing food, drinks, utensils, or lip balm with someone who has mono. (Source: MedlinePlus)

Question 3

Why do teenagers and young adults get mono more often?

Accepted Answer

Teenagers and young adults who get infected with EBV are more likely to develop the symptoms of mono, while children who get infected often don't show symptoms or have symptoms that look like other common illnesses. (Source: MedlinePlus)

Question 4

Can I catch mono if I don’t kiss someone who has it?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can catch mono without kissing—you can get it by sharing food, drinks, forks, spoons, or lip balm with someone who has mono. (Source: MedlinePlus)

Question 5

Is there a way to prevent getting mono?

Accepted Answer

There is no vaccine to prevent mono, but you can reduce your risk by avoiding sharing saliva with others through kissing, sharing drinks, or sharing eating utensils with people who have mono. (Source: MedlinePlus)

Question 6

What tests will you do to check for mono?

Accepted Answer

Your doctor will likely do a blood test to check for mono, which can detect antibodies or other signs that your body is fighting an EBV infection. (Source: MedlinePlus)

Question 7

Will I need a blood test (called monospot) to confirm mono?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a blood test called a monospot test is commonly used to confirm mono—it detects specific antibodies that your body makes when fighting an EBV infection. (Source: MedlinePlus)

Question 8

Can other illnesses look like mono?

Accepted Answer

Yes, mono symptoms can look similar to other common illnesses like the flu, so a blood test is important to confirm that you actually have mono. (Source: MedlinePlus)

Question 9

How long does it take to get the results of my mono test?

Accepted Answer

Most mono test results come back within a few days, though some tests may take a bit longer depending on which type of blood test your doctor uses. (Source: MedlinePlus)

Question 10

Are there any special tests if I have unusual symptoms?

Accepted Answer

If you have unusual symptoms, your doctor may order additional blood tests or other tests to rule out other conditions or check for complications. (Source: MedlinePlus)

Question 11

What are the best ways to treat mononucleosis?

Accepted Answer

The main treatment for mono is rest, fluids, and over-the-counter pain relievers to manage symptoms—antibiotics don't work against viruses, so they won't help with mono. (Source: MedlinePlus)

Question 12

Will resting help me get better faster?

Accepted Answer

Yes, resting is one of the most important things you can do to help your body fight the infection and recover from mono. (Source: MedlinePlus)

Question 13

Can I take over-the-counter pain relievers for my symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Yes, over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help ease sore throat pain and reduce fever, but follow the directions on the package. (Source: MedlinePlus)

Question 14

Should I avoid contact sports while I have mono?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you should avoid contact sports while you have mono because your spleen may be enlarged, and a hit to your abdomen could cause serious injury. (Source: MedlinePlus)

Question 15

How long will it take before I feel completely better?

Accepted Answer

Most people start feeling better within a few weeks, but it can take several weeks to a few months to feel completely back to normal. (Source: MedlinePlus)

Question 16

Will you prescribe any medications for my mono?

Accepted Answer

Your doctor typically won't prescribe antibiotics for mono since it's caused by a virus, but they may prescribe other medications if you develop complications. (Source: MedlinePlus)

Question 17

Can antibiotics help me get over mono faster?

Accepted Answer

No, antibiotics don't help with mono because mono is caused by a virus, not bacteria—antibiotics only work against bacterial infections. (Source: MedlinePlus)

Question 18

What are the side effects of the medicines I might need?

Accepted Answer

Side effects depend on which medication you take, so ask your doctor or pharmacist about possible side effects of any medicine they prescribe for you. (Source: MedlinePlus)

Question 19

Are there natural remedies that can ease my symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Drinking plenty of fluids, getting rest, using throat lozenges, and gargling with salt water can help ease sore throat pain and other symptoms. (Source: MedlinePlus)

Question 20

Should I avoid certain drugs while I have mono?

Accepted Answer

Talk to your doctor about any medications or supplements you're taking, as some may interact with mono or make symptoms worse. (Source: MedlinePlus)