Symptoms of a mononucleosis/Epstein-Barr virus infection

Symptoms of an infection with Epstein-Barr virus, also known as mononucleosis can include fatigue, fever, weakness, sore throat and weight loss.

Symptoms of mononucleosis or EBV can look like many other illnesses making it difficult to diagnose in some cases. It is usually diagnosed in children or teenagers and can often look like a common cold or other respiratory virus.

Many people have contracted the virus but show no signs so it is never diagnosed. Studies show that nearly 95% of the US population has been infected with the EBV virus at some point in time. The EBV virus is part of the herpes family. The most common clues to diagnosing mononucleosis are fever, sore throat and fatigue along with swollen lymph nodes. Inflammation of the liver and enlargement of the spleen are also possible.

Complications are not common but could include abdominal pain if the spleen is involved. Some people who contract mono will have a cough with a sore throat and swollen tonsils. The disease is a virus and not bacterial so antibiotics do no good to fight it. What may have been diagnosed as a strep throat at first but doesn't respond to antibiotics could very well be mononucleosis.

Other less common symptoms of EBV can be jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and eyes. This can be related to liver inflammation from the disease. Some people come down with a measles-like rash on their face or body. Other people may have tiny red spots in their mouth or areas on the roof of the mouth that look bruised.

Since mono is a virus except for complications, which are few, only the symptoms can be treated. This is usually best done at home with plenty of rest, fluids and over-the-counter medications for headache, sore throat and body aches.