Mononucleosis is typically transmitted from asymptomatic individuals through saliva, earning it the name "the kissing disease", or by sharing a drink Infectious mononucleosis should be suspected in patients 10 to 30 years of age who present with sore throat and significant fatigue, palatal petechiae, posterior cervical or auricular adenopathy.

The illness is caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), that is particularly common in adolescents and children.Infectious mononucleosis is relatively uncommon in adults, accounting for less than 2 percent of all adults presenting with sore throat.The most common effects of mononucleosis are extreme exhaustion, very sore throat, swollen or painful glands, and chills or fever.

In young children these effects may be very minor. Some cases will also exhibit swelling of the spleen, which can also cause significant stomach pain.These symptoms are caused by an increase of leukocytes, white blood cells.The incubation period is thought to be about 30 to 40 days

Often when blood is taken, clinical tests reveal atypical leukocytes that usually suggest the presence of mononucleosis. Tests for Epstein Barr may also be performed, but even after one has had an active case of mononucleosis, they will show the presence of Epstein Barr immunities.

 During a physical examination, the doctor may find swollen lymph nodes in the front and back of the neck, as well as swollen tonsils with the whitish covering. The doctor might also find a swollen liver or swollen spleen when pushing on your belly. There may be a skin rash.

Later research showed that children can develop antibodies to this virus early in life, evidence that they have been infected with it, though without exhibiting any illness and certainly without any signs of tumour growth or of infectious mononucleosis.

Treatment : Rest is recommended during the acute phase of the infection, but activity should be resumed once acute symptoms have resolved.

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