Additional information about mononucleosis

Hi and welcome to the forum! I am glad that I can help you.

You would like to know more details about mononucleosis.

Mononucleosis is a viral infection that affects the immune system by mildly weakening it so secondary bacterial infections usually presented as enlarged tonsils may appear. This condition is also known as "kissing disease". The main way of passing the virus is through saliva and has an incubation period of 4–7 weeks. Individuals may be contagious as long as 18 months after the symptoms are completely gone. Individuals who experience mono usually experience the following symptoms: sore throat, fever, fatigue, weight loss, malaise, pharyngeal inflammation, petechiae, loss of appetite, lymphadenopathy (enlarged lymph nodes), splenomegaly (enlarged spleen), hepatitis (refers to inflammation of hepatocytes - cells in the liver) and hemolysis (the bursting of red blood cells).

Given the data that you described, you may or may not have contracted the disease from your boyfriend. He may also be in the incubation period and may develop symptoms later, or he may have previously experienced mononucleosis. However, you may consider resting and avoiding contact with people for at least 10 to 15 days, because your immune system is weakened and you are at risk of developing secondary bacterial infections which, in the case of mononucleosis, may take longer to recover from, certain of them causing complications. You may also consider taking antibiotics according to an antibiogram.

Please keep in mind that I provide medical information only. I am not able to diagnose medical conditions online. Please contact your doctor for further advice and information about diagnosis and treatment of mononucleosis.