Dear Straight Talk: I was out with a friend one night and we were drinking from the same container. Two days later she was diagnosed with mono. Does that mean I have mono, too? I’m afraid to ask my mom because she will think I was out fooling around. But, what if I have it? Isn’t it called the “kissing disease”?—Sweet 16
Dear Sweet 16: For something called the “kissing disease” you’d hope in the least for a little romance, wouldn’t you? Unfortunately, you can get mono in the worst of slumps.
Infectious mononucleosis is a virus transmitted through saliva and mucus and it can be contracted by drinking out of the same container as an infected person, or through close encounters with one of their sneezes or coughs.
Once mono incubates, which takes a month or two, the most common symptoms (fever and swollen lymph glands in the neck) are easily confused with the flu. Though it’s not considered a serious illness, it can take two or three months for a full recovery.
The good news: mono is not highly contagious because most people have an immunity toward it. I won’t ask what was in that container you were drinking from, or why your mom thinks you were out “fooling around”, but since you know you were exposed, don’t fool around any longer. Tell your mom and your doctor.
By kyrsten on 01/21/2008
I got mono when i was in the 6thgrade now sometimes i think that i still have it. I am always sick and i dont feel good now. My boyfriend just broke up with me and i cried and cried. He has cheated on me 3 times and to many now when I talk to my friend Kurby she is always there for me and when I need help, I go to my step-sister so is always there to but i just dont get why im always sick.
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