What in heavens is “Mono” may be a question asked by many even though most of us may have been infected by it at some time or the other. “Mono” is a short for Mononucleosis – a viral infection contracted through saliva in the mouth. More often it is found amongst the Teens and Young Adults and commonly called the “Kissing Disease”. Found commonly on College Campuses, Hostels and Residential Colleges or Institutes. Many of us may have been infected by it but never known it by its obnoxious name.

Ironically when children get it may go un-noticed as it may be mild, and Adults don’t contract it quickly because the immunity system in them is much higher than in childhood, and sometimes the adults may overlook it as common cold or flu. Children often contract it through their Mothers shockingly though, possible through cuddling and kissing or even using the same glass or crockery.

Two major symptoms of Mononucleosis are

1. A Severe Sore throat which is painful, with swollen glands. Sore throat is common amongst Adolescents and college going students many times due to eating of junk food, or oily snacks. So it is best advised to have a medical check up to ascertain the exact cause.

2. A high fever with weakness or fatigue: It is always advisable to take medical advice as a fever can be caused by so many other illnesses. It is characteristics of the fever in that the timing, its repetitiveness, and the degree of fever that the doctor can ascertain it is Mono. Fatigue or tiredness can be mistaken for normal tiredness after a hard day at college, so best advised to take doctors advice.

As the symptoms occur weeks after a person has been exposed to Mono, it will stay with you until the symptoms go away for good, but the virus remains in your body for life. Though it may not affect you visibly. Medically it has been an interesting phenomenon that this virus cannot be cleaned from your body and remains inside you for life. As mentioned above the symptoms will pass away for good, and you would never again get mono, but the virus remains within your body for life. The only options or a precaution rather to avoid spreading Mono is by not kissing anyone, or sharing glasses, or crockery or toothbrushes with others.