Mononucleosis Blood Test, Qualitative

Infectious mononucleosis (also called mono) is a viral infection. It is a common infection, but often it causes no symptoms. It is spread mainly through saliva, which is why it has the nickname "kissing disease."

After the virus enters the body it can take up to a month before symptoms begin. The first symptoms usually are:

·  tiredness

·  fever

·  headache

·  muscle aches.

Many people have extreme tiredness before they have any other symptoms. They may find that they are sleeping 12 to 16 hours a day.

After a few days of fever and aches, other symptoms are:

·  sore throat

·  swollen glands (lymph nodes) in the neck.

You may also have:

·  a loss of appetite

·  nausea

·  joint aches

·  a rash, sometimes including tiny red spots in the mouth.