The "Mono" monster

One of the most common causes of sore throat is Epstein Bar Virus.  This is one of the 3 major causes for the syndrome known as acute mononucleosis or mono.  Today I want to dispell mono's undeserved reputation.

By 18 years of age most people have already contracted mono.  It was just one of those flu syndromes that were suffered through as a child with no particular name.  Unlike the typical flu, after your immune system kicks in and tries to kill the infection, the virus causing this one goes into hiding until some time in the future.  In college under the influence of no sleep and the stress of being away from home people can have a reactivation of the virus.  Like any virus most people get better in a few days, but if you don't rest (like most college students with classes, jobs and social lives) it can take a long time to get better.

As you see it isn't the monster it is cracked up to be.  You don't need to drop out of school or quit all your activities if you get mono (again) but you do need to rest or you won't get better.

Till next time.