Information Sheet on Mononucleosis
Get the facts on mono

What is mononucleosis?
Mononucleosis, which is often shortened to mono, is an infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus.
Diagnosis of mono
Symptoms include fever, sore throat, headaches, white patches on the back of your throat, swollen glands in your neck, feeling tired and not feeling hungry. Diagnosis may involve your doctor asking about symptoms of your illness. He or she may then do blood tests to confirm the diagnosis. The Monospot test is one common test used to diagnose mono. If the results of the Monospot test aren't clear, other blood tests may be needed.
Mono Transmission and Contagiousness
Found in saliva and mucus, the mono virus is and is not spread as easily as some other viruses, such as the common cold. The virus is usually passed from one person to another through kissing, although it may be transmitted through other ways as well. Signs of mono usually develop 4 to 6 weeks after you're exposed to the virus. The illness is most common among people 15 to 35 years old. Generally, people only get mono once.
Complications due to mono
The major complication or risk of mono is enlargement and rupture of the spleen. The spleen is an organ that helps filter your blood, located in the upper part of your abdomen on the left side.
It's wise to be aware of the signs of a ruptured spleen and call your doctor right away if you notice any of them, even though a ruptured spleen is rare in people with mono. Signs of a ruptured spleen include feeling lightheaded, feeling like your heart is beating fast and hard, bleeding, pain in the left upper part of your abdomen (under the left chest), more easily than usual and having trouble breathing.
Curing mono
There is no cure for mono, but usually mono will go away on its own. Symptoms usually last a month or so.
Mono Treatment
Mono treatment consists of dealing with symptoms. Helpful tips for speedier recuperation include getting rest, drinking plenty of fluids, gargling with salt water, or sucking on throat lozenges, hard candy or flavored frozen desserts if you have a sore throat, or taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve pain and fever.
Remember: do not give aspirin to children. Aspirin should be avoided because it has been associated with a disease called Reye's syndrome in children.
Antibiotics for mono
Antibiotics such as penicillin are of no help in mono, since the disease is caused by a virus, which don’t respond to antibiotics. 
Sports and exercise during mono
Until your doctor tells you it’s safe, avoid sports or physical activities of any kind 3 to 4 weeks after the infection starts.