Mononucleosis, or “mono,” is a sickness caused by a virus. People call it the “kissing disease” because it can spread when you kiss someone.
But you can also get it by sharing drinks or eating from the same spoon.
When you have mono, you might:
– Feel very, very tired.
– Have a sore throat, like when you have a cold.
– Get a fever.
– Have swollen neck and armpit areas.
– Sometimes, your tummy might hurt because of a swollen spleen inside.
You can get mono from:
– Kissing someone who has it.
– Sharing drinks, food, or utensils with someone who has it.
– Being close to someone who coughs or sneezes.
How Do You Get Better?
There’s no special medicine for mono. To feel better, you should:
– Get lots of rest.
– Drink plenty of water.
– Take medicine like ibuprofen if you have a fever.
– Avoid playing rough because of your swollen spleen.
How to Stay Healthy
– Don’t share drinks or food.
– Wash your hands often.
– Be careful not to get too close to people who are sick.
Most people get better in a few weeks, but sometimes you might feel tired for longer. Remember to always tell a grown-up if you feel sick!
