If you have been on a college campus for long enough, you are bound to hear of someone who has mono or “the kissing disease.” Mono, medically known as infectious mononucleosis, is a contagious viral infection that is transmitted through saliva. This means that it can be spread through kissing, coughing, sneezing and by sharing utensils. Although it can be irritating and debilitating to have, it is not often fatal. People in our age group are the most likely to get mono. Indeed, teens and adults in their 20s are very likely to contract mono and pass it on to others.

So, how will you know which of your buddies you should avoid sharing straws with so that you do not get this annoying illness too? Unfortunately, it is difficult to distinguish the signs and symptoms of mono from those of any other common ailment. It typically has an incubation period of six to eight weeks, meaning you typically will not experience any symptoms for this long. The signs and symptoms associated with it include headache, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes in the neck and armpit, swollen tonsils, sore throat and a skin rash. Although these are more of the minor symptoms that are hardly distinguishable from the common cold, there are further complications that can occur that are far more serious. 

For example, the disease can cause swelling of the spleen, potentially causing it to rupture. In this case, you would feel a sudden, sharp pain in the upper left part of your abdomen, just slightly below your left ribs. Seek medical attention immediately if this occurs. There are various other complications that can occur, such as liver issues. In this case, your skin may appear tinted yellowish. Once again, seek medical attention immediately if this occurs. Otherwise, treatment for mono simply consists of getting enough fluids and rest just like the common cold. Even in the absence of these complications, it is still recommended to make an appointment with your doctor if you suspect that you have mono.

There are also some extremely rare complications that can occur during mono. For one, you can begin showing symptoms of anemia, which is when you have a low red blood cell count. A consequence of this would basically be that your body would not be able to circulate oxygen as well, and you could get very tired. Moreover, the amount of platelets that are in your blood could decrease. Platelets are a critical part of the blood clotting process. Without platelets, your body would not be able to clot blood as well, and if you get a cut, you could possibly lose a lot of blood. Your tonsils could also swell and possibly obstruct breathing. Even more severe complications include those having to do with the nervous system. 

Preventing the spread of mono is way easier said than done. If you are infected, then you can help contain the spread of the virus by keeping your spit to yourself. Keeping in mind that spreading spit can occur during coughing, sneezing, kissing and the sharing of utensils, you have to be very mindful of where your spit is going. It is also important to remember that even after symptoms are alleviated, the virus that causes this disease can remain dormant in your saliva for months. Meaning you have to keep up this whole “no spitting on people” way longer than anticipated.

Now that you know what mono is, you can now more easily identify who your friends have been kissing, if they get it! You just simply have to trace back a month or two, see who had the illness at the time, and then plot a chart with the probabilities with people who your friend possibly contracted the disease from! Just kidding, but at least now you know what mono is, some common symptoms associated with it, the more serious symptoms in case the disease takes a wrong turn and how to effectively minimize the spread of infection. Happy kissing!

(Note: These articles are good-faith attempts to be helpful to the Brandeis community and are by no means to be taken as universal. This article does not replace the advice of a medical professional. This article is not written on behalf of the Brandeis Emergency Medical Corps (BEMCo) and is not affiliated with BEMCo in any manner.)