What exactly is the kissing disease?

The medical name for the kissing disease is mononucleosis (mono), a virus you can pick up from saliva when you have a passionate kiss with an infected person. You can also get it in other ways, like sharing drinks, glasses, and eating utensils that have not been washed, though the virus spreads far more easily through direct saliva contact such as kissing than through everyday objects. Mononucleosis is not usually a serious disease, and the symptoms can vary between being mild or severe. However, severe symptoms can impact negatively on your daily life for up to several weeks.

What causes mononucleosis?

The main cause of mono is a very common virus known as the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which falls under the herpes virus family. This virus is common all over the world, and is very contagious. Studies have shown that it is possible to get infected and carry it in your body for many years without having any symptoms. Like other herpes infections, it depends on your immune system whether or not symptoms develop. It spreads through blood, semen, sexual contact, or saliva — which has given rise to the name "kissing disease." Although EBV is the most common cause, other viruses are also known to have resulted in a flare-up of mono.

Symptoms of mononucleosis to look out for

• Serious fatigue.
• A sore throat.
• Swollen, painful lymph nodes, which will need investigation by a doctor.
• A skin rash on the face or body, similar to that of measles.
• Tiny red spots or bruise-like areas inside the mouth and on the palate.

A blood test will check for EBV, but doctors don't always require blood results to establish a diagnosis of mononucleosis. The doctor may, however, order an EBV blood test just to ascertain whether or not the virus is present in your system. EBV is a herpesvirus that has been linked to a higher risk of certain cancers.

How mono spreads to others

Mono spreads through bodily fluids, but the most common way it spreads is through the exchange of saliva, mainly by kissing — hence the name kissing disease! You can also get it from someone with symptoms coughing or sneezing near you, or from sharing food with an infected person.

How dangerous is mononucleosis?

Most people start to recover from mono within two weeks, although some symptoms, such as fatigue, can take much longer to go away. Doctors usually advise rest if the symptoms are not too severe. However, a visit to the doctor is necessary if you play contact sports, as they may suggest that you avoid sports for three or four weeks. In addition to advising rest, the doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medication, as well as pain and fever medication in case of a throat infection. Swollen lymph nodes should also be investigated to ensure that there is nothing more sinister going on.

You will also be advised to refrain from sexual encounters and heavy smooching until the symptoms have disappeared. The doctor might recommend that a condom be used for sexual encounters. Unprotected sex will make you vulnerable to any type of herpes infection, including mononucleosis.

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