Infectious mononucleosis, commonly known as "mono," is an infectious disease affecting the lymph tissues.  The disease is transmitted by direct contact with the saliva of an infected person.  Once an individual is infected, it takes four to seven weeks (known as the incubation period) before symptoms develop.  Symptoms include sore throat, fever, swollen lymph glands, and fatigue.  Students may return to school when they feel well enough; returning for half days may be helpful.  "Mono" is usually a self-limiting illness and passes much the same way other common viral illnesses resolve.  It is unknown exactly how long an individual remains contagious once symptoms resolve, but persons with "mono" can continue to shed the virus for many months following their illness.

Treatment: Because of the risk of complications, any individual with "mono" should be under the care of a physician.  Specific treatment is not usually needed but the following precautions are generally recommended:

-	Bed rest is indicated as long as your teen has a fever. Once the fever subsides, normal activity can be resumed as tolerated. Most teens simply do not have the energy to push themselves.
-	Heavy lifting, contact sports, gym class and other strenuous exercise should be avoided for several weeks following recovery to prevent injury to the spleen.  Your family doctor should give you specific guidelines and clear you from any restrictions before these activities are resumed.
-	Many teens are given an antibiotic for suspected or concurrent strep throat at the onset of the illness. Some physicians will avoid prescribing amoxicillin or ampicillin in individuals with "mono" because these antibiotics can cause a skin rash.
-	Alcohol should be avoided by ALL teens, especially those with "mono." A mild inflammation of the liver (hepatitis) is a common, but usually not serious, complication of "mono."  Alcohol increases the workload of the liver.

For more information about mononucleosis in teens and why it is so difficult to prevent, click on the following article from Cincinnati Children's publication Young and Healthy.

Mononucleosis: "Kissing Disease" Not So Sweet