A Guide on Early Symptoms of Mono: Signs of Mononucleosis in Adults and Toddlers

Early mono, also referred to as infectious mononucleosis and glandular fever, this is a disease, caused by Epstein-Barr virus or EBV. Infectious mononucleosis or mono or is a common problem amongst the teenagers but can occur at any age. Signs of mononucleosis in adults and toddlers are specific, which can help to suspect early mono. It is important to know the early symptoms of mono to aid in timely treatment.

Early mono or infectious mononucleosis is caused by a virus, which usually spreads by infected saliva and is often termed as the ‘kissing disease’. Other modes of infection spread can be coughing or sneezing, by sharing utensils or personal items of infected persons.

Infectious mononucleosis commonly presents with its symptoms, after the incubation period, which can last up to six weeks, is over.

Some common symptoms of early mono that you need to watch out for include:

• Severe measles-like rashes on skin are the commonest symptom of early mono.
• Small red spots noted on the roof of the palate or in the mouth can be as sign of infectious mononucleosis.
• High grade fever, sometimes with chills are seen in infectious mononucleosis in adults and toddlers.
• Sore throats can be a common trouble too.
• Lymph nodes can get swollen.
• Extreme fatigue is another common feature of early mono, like in any viral infection.
• Some may feel pain in abdomen in the upper left region, due to enlargement of spleen, which is a major sign of mononucleosis.

These early signs and symptoms of mono can be treated effectively, if detected at the right time.

Common symptoms of mono in adults and kids can be very troublesome as the skin and mouth gets involved making it difficult to manage the condition. Kids and toddlers are more vulnerable to infections like mono, as they are receive plenty of affection and attention from others. As the chances of spread of infection are high due to sharing of toys, personal items and kissing, knowing early symptoms of mono in toddlers can help to receive prompt treatment.

Some common symptoms of mono in kids may not be as evident as the signs of mono in adults and they may also take some time to be noticeable. Being watchful and aware of the possible symptoms of infectious mononucleosis in kids and toddlers can help you to detect a possible infection in time.

Early symptoms of mono in kids and toddlers include

• Sore throat or irritation in throat is the commonest symptom of infectious mononucleosis.
• Skin rashes are a common sign of mono in toddlers.
• The glands in neck, armpits and groin may get swollen which can be very troublesome but it an important early sign of mono.
  As infectious mononucleosis spreads rapidly, it is important to follow medical advice and manage the condition to ensure complete recovery.

Early warning signs of mono in adults, when detected in time, can help to prevent further spread and reduce the severity of the infection. Some early symptoms of mono in adults include

• Severe skin rash with itching and irritation is a common sign of mono.
• Fatigue, muscle pain and pain in body may be felt.
• Fever, chills and warm body is commonly noted as a sign of mono in adults.
• Irritation or itching in throat may be commonly seen. The tonsils may get swollen up and with pain causing sensation
• Swollen lymph nodes are a common concern in mono and the neck and armpits the most affected ones.
• Spleen becomes soft and swollen with abdominal pain. Jaundice or yellow discoloration may also be noted.

Apart from all these common symptoms of mono in adults, persistent headache is also an important symptom of mono. The common signs of mono in older adults may not be the typical ones, but most often show malaise, fever and fatigue.

Proper diagnosis and prompt treatment of mono and proper self-care can help. Being aware of the signs of mono in adults and children, is the first step; following which medical advice and self-care measures works best.

• Complete rest is important for a good recovery
• To soothe the throat, lukewarm saline water gargle may be advised.
• Medicines to control fever may be used as advised by the physician.
• It is better to avoid lifting heavy weights, to prevent exerting pressure on the spleen.

While infectious mononucleosis is benign, timely diagnosis and treatment is necessary to avoid complications, which can lead to serious problems like jaundice, hepatitis and a heart inflammation. Most cases recover completely when early symptoms of mono are detected and timely treatment is received.