Mononucleosis is an illness caused by infection with a virus. Mono is an illness mainly of adolescents and young adults. In developed nations, the majority of the population has been exposed to the Epstein-Barr virus by the age 18. Students most often experience a painful sore throat with tonsillar enlargement. Less often you can experience loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or measles-like rash.
Diagnosis is based on a patient's symptoms and physical exam.
Because the symptoms are similar to other illnesses, a definite diagnosis is often not possible in the early stage. Follow-up visits with your physician may be necessary. Diagnosis may be supported or confirmed by blood tests. This test indicates specific blood antibodies present in an acute mono infection. Not all students with mono-like symptoms will have a positive mono test.