Mononucleosis and Epstein-Barr: What's the connection?

Answer Section

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is one of the most common viruses that people catch. It can cause a disease called mononucleosis, also known as mono. But when most people get EBV, they have no symptoms.

It takes more than a cough or sneeze to spread EBV. The virus spreads from person to person mainly through saliva. You can catch it from an infected person by doing things such as:

• Kissing.
• Sharing food and drinks.
• Sharing cups, utensils or toothbrushes.

In the United States, at least 1 in 4 teenagers and young adults with EBV get mono. The disease can cause symptoms such as:

• Extreme tiredness.
• Fever.
• Sore throat.
• Headaches and body aches.
• Swollen lymph nodes.
• Swelling in the liver, spleen or both.
• Rash.

There's no clear-cut treatment for mono. You can take steps to ease the symptoms by:

• Drinking water or other fluids to stay hydrated.
• Geting lots of rest.
• Taking medicine that you can get without a prescription for pain and fever.

Some people need treatment for other health problems caused by mono. But most people with the disease get better within a month.