Mono Symptoms

In the early stages of infectious mononucleosis, the most common form of mono, symptoms such as lack of energy, body aches, chills, and loss of appetite may begin several days before the more common symptoms appear. These signs commonly include swollen lymph nodes, fever, and sore throat. People who are infected with CMV mononucleosis may experience slightly different symptoms from those seen with the more common form.

Signs and Symptoms of Mono: An Overview

When a person becomes infected with a virus that causes mononucleosis (see Mononucleosis Causes), the virus begins to multiply within the body. After four to eight weeks, mono symptoms can begin. The period between becoming infected and the start of symptoms is called the mononucleosis incubation period.
 
Symptoms of mono vary among individuals. Some people have mild symptoms, while others can experience more serious symptoms.
 

Early Mono Symptoms

Early signs and symptoms of mono may begin several days before the more common symptoms of the illness appear. Some of these early symptoms can include:
 
  • Lack of energy
  • Body aches
  • Chills
  • Loss of appetite.
     

Common Symptoms of Mono

One of the nicknames for mono is glandular fever. As the name implies, perhaps the most distinguishing symptom of mono is enlarged glands or lymph nodes, especially in the neck, but also in the armpit and groin.
 
Another common mono symptom is fever. A temperature as high as 103ºF (39.5ºC) is not uncommon.
 
Other common symptoms include:
 
  • Sore throat
  • Tonsillitis
  • White patches on the back of the throat.
     
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
 
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