Mononucleosis: The Kissing Disease? Mono (short for
mononucleosis), is also called the kissing disease. It’s true
that you can get mono through kissing, but that’s because it’s
in your saliva, or spit. You can also get it by sharing drinks,
eating utensils, and even lip gloss, balms or lipsticks. Do you
have a fever, a sore throat, a headache, and feel exhausted? Has
it been a couple of weeks and you just can’t seem to get your
energy back? Could be mono. Mono is caused by the Epstein-Barr
virus (EBV). It’s in your spit and may be spread through
kissing, or sharing eating utensils or personal items. The
symptoms of mono vary, but usually include a sore throat, fever,
headache, swollen glands, and extreme tiredness. Unfortunately,
mono is contagious when you’re first infected, which is often
before you have any symptoms or signs of the infection. This is
called the incubation stage and may last four to seven weeks.
Once symptoms appear, it might be easy to mistake mono for strep
or a cold, but when it sticks a