Mono Risk Factors

Infectious mononucleosis, known as mono, is an infectious disease that's potentially fatal.

But there's no need to panic. Not everyone gets mono and it's not the type of infectious disease that gets spread through the air. The Mayo Clinic says that it even takes more than an uncovered sneeze or cough to spread the virus. Simply standing or sitting beside someone with the mono virus won't make you sick.

In this article you'll find out the risk factors for mono and if there's anything you can do to reduce your chances of getting it.

However, before we get to the information about risk factors, it's important to get at least a basic understanding of the disease.

The Definition of Mono

Mono is an illness that's caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. It can cause symptoms similar to a cold such as fatigue, high fever, swollen lymph nodes (glands) and a sore throat.

Sometimes the illness can cause swelling of the spleen. The spleen is an organ in the upper left part of the abdomen just under your left rib. It keeps the blood clean by removing old red blood cells. It also recycles iron and holds a reserve of blood that can help a person survive circulatory or hemorrhagic shock.

Since swelling of the spleen is possible, it's important for those who have mono to avoid any activity that could injure the abdomen. A swollen spleen can rupture more easily, and a ruptured spleen requires emergency medical attention because it could cause life-threatening internal bleeding.

Click here to find out more information about the symptoms of mono.

Epstein-Barr Virus Facts

The National Center for Infectious Disease (NCID) says that the Epstein-Barr virus, referred to as EBV, infects as many as 95 percent of people by the time they reach 40. Most people will have developed some immunity to it by the time they reach the age of 35.

Once you become infected, you carry the virus for the rest of your life, according to the Mayo Clinic. It's usually in a dormant state but it's possible, if rare, for the virus to reactivate as mono.

EPV is a member of the herpes virus family. The NCID says that EBV causes infectious mononucleosis 35 percent to 50 percent of the time in adolescents or young adults who become infected.

Who's At Risk?

Anyone can get mono, but the demographic most at risk are youth, teens and young adults. The age group at the highest risk of getting mono is those between the age of ten and 24.

As far as other age groups are concerned, there's a higher risk of getting mono if you have close contact with many people. This means that there's a slightly higher risk of contracting mono if you're in the military, are a nurse or are a college student.

Risky behavior that can increase your chances of getting mono include sharing eating utensils, sharing glasses, dishes or a toothbrush with an infected person. The Mayo Clinic reports that you need close contact with a person in order to catch mono. Close contact usually involves an exchange of saliva which is why mono was once sometimes referred to as "the kissing disease." A brief, closed mouth lip kiss usually isn't enough to spread mono.

Reducing Your Risk

It's possible to have the mono-causing EPV virus and have no symptoms. In fact, it's often found in the saliva of healthy people according to the NCID. The institute says that transmission is almost impossible to prevent.

Discovery Health says there are a few things you can do to reduce your risk.

· Wash your hands frequently

· Don't share cups, bowls, glasses, utensils or toothbrushes

· Disinfect shared surfaces

· Frequently sterilize toys especially ones like teething rings