what is mono?

Question

wats mono? how can u get it? how can u tell u have it? nd how can u get rid of it?

Answer 1

I assume you're referring to mononucelosis. It is a viral disease.

Most people who get mono are between the ages of 15 and 25. The mono virus affects the lymph nodes, throat, salivary glands, liver, spleen, and blood, and it can make a person feel tired and achy all over. It can also make you lose your appetite.

You probably know what your lymph nodes are, and you probably guessed that your salivary glands are inside of your mouth. But what about your spleen? It's located on the left side of your abdomen, just under the rib cage, and it helps cleanse your blood of bacteria and viruses.

Mono is contagious, which means you can spread the virus to other people who haven't had mono before. Even though you can get mono from kissing someone infected with this virus, there are also other ways you can get it, but they all involve contact with saliva. Sharing pillows, straws, toothbrushes, or food from the same plate also spread mono.

At first, people usually don't feel sick after getting infected with the virus. So someone could have mono — and be spreading it — and not even know it. That's why it's important not to share things like forks, straws, or lip gloss at school.

What Are the Signs of Mono?
Mono can cause you to feel really, really tired, but you may have other symptoms, too. These include:

fever
sore throat
swollen lymph nodes (the infection-fighting glands in your neck, underarms, groin, and elsewhere throughout your body)
headaches
sore muscles
enlarged liver or spleen (an organ located on the left side of your belly, right under your ribs, that filters blood and helps fight infections)
Sometimes, it may seem like you have the flu or maybe strep throat because the symptoms are so much alike. The only way to tell for sure if you have mono is to go to a doctor, who will examine you and draw blood for tests (one test is called the Monospot) to see if you have mono.

Usually with mono you will need plenty of rest. This might mean no school for a while, no sports, and no running outside playing with friends or even wrestling with your little brother. While you're resting, it's a good idea to drink plenty of water and other fluids. You can ask your mom or dad to give you a pain reliever if you have a fever or if your muscles are sore. Don't take any aspirin, though, because that can put you at risk for a condition called Reye syndrome, which can be dangerous.

Other kids might not feel very sick at all, so a lot of bed rest isn't necessarily for everyone. But it's very important to listen to your body. Someone who has mono should tell a parent if he or she starts feeling worse. And if the person feels tired and run down, it's the body's way of saying more rest is needed.

If you play contact sports, such as football and basketball, you will probably need to avoid them while you're sick and for about a month after the illness — especially if your spleen is enlarged. Your doctor will let you know when it's safe for you to get back in the game.

You'll probably be happy to hear that mono usually goes away after a few weeks, even though you'll have to take it easy for awhile. Make sure you wash your hands after you cough or sneeze. Keep your straws, forks, and toothbrushes to yourself, and . . . no kissing for a few months!

Answer 2

What is mononucleosis?
Mononucleosis (often called "mono") is an infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. Signs of mono include fever, sore throat, headaches, white patches on the back of your throat, swollen glands in your neck, feeling tired and not feeling hungry.

How is mono passed?
Mono is not spread as easily as some other viruses, such as the common cold. The mono virus is found in saliva and mucus. It is usually passed from one person to another through kissing, although it may rarely be passed in other ways, such as coughing. Signs of mono usually develop 4 to 6 weeks after you're exposed to the virus. Generally, people only get mono once. It's most common among people 15 to 35 years old.

Can mono be cured?
No. But mono will go away on its own. Symptoms usually last about 4 weeks.

How is mono treated?
The main point of treatment is to relieve your symptoms. The following list includes tips on treatment.

Rest.
Drink plenty of fluids.
If you have a sore throat, gargle with salt water, or suck on throat lozenges, hard candy or flavored frozen desserts (such as Popsicles).
You may want to take acetaminophen (one brand name: Tylenol) or ibuprofen (some brand names: Advil, Motrin, Nuprin) to relieve pain and fever. Do not give aspirin to children. Aspirin should be avoided because it has been associated with a disease called Reye's syndrome in children. Reye's syndrome is a serious illness that can lead to death.

Answer 3

Mono other wise none as the kissing desise. I dont know how to cure it but i do no it goes away casue a girl at my school had it and i think its gone

Answer 4

Mono is a virus.......you can get it from other people usually.....you are usually really tired....LIKE..extremely exhausted......and you have a pain in your left side....you have to go to the doctor to get antibiotics...