Mononucleosis, which is typically referred to as "mono," the "kissing disease", and glandular fever are all terms used to describe the illness caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which is a member of the herpes virus family. By the time most people reach adulthood, an antibody against EBV can be detected in their blood. In the U.S., up to 95% of adults aged 35-40 have antibodies directed against EBV. Most people, at some point in their lives, have been infected with EBV. Indicative of this, is the fact that 95% of adults between the ages of 35 and 40 have antibodies directed against the disease. These antibodies can be detected in the blood of patients who have been infected.

The term "mononucleosis" is the term used to describe the increase in a special type of white blood cells (lymphocytes) in the bloodstream as a result of the EBV infection. Adolescents and young adults, between ages 15-17 are typically diagnosed with "mono" but it is also seen in children where it is generally less severe in young and may mirror the symptoms of other common childhood illnesses.

In most cases, "mono" is spread by person to person contact, primarily by the exchange of saliva. However, it can also be passed to another person by any method involving contact with infected saliva such as coughing, sneezing or sharing food or beverage containers.

Because they have been exposed to the virus as children and have developed immunity, most people who are exposed to the EBV never actually develop mononucleosis. For those who do, signs & symptoms usually begin to surface within 4 to 6 weeks from when the infection was caused and include:

- Fatigue

- Loss of Appetite

- Chills

- The more common intense symptoms include:

- Severe Sore Throat

- Severe Fever (ranging from 102 – 104 degrees Fahrenheit)

- Swollen Glands (lymph nodes)

- Enlarged Spleen

- Enlarged Liver

The best preventative step one can take with regard to infectious mononucleosis is to avoid kissing and sharing eating utensils with anyone suffering the infection.

If you have been infected, you should try to get plenty of sleep, avoid contact sports or heavy lifting and drink plenty of water.

Avoid coffee, fried foods, soft drinks, sugar, tea and white flour products.

No matter what your doctor tells you, mononucleosis does not require medication or treatment unless complications result, which is rare. And even in that case, there is always alternative treatment which includes supplementing with:

Acidophilus (take as directed on label) - Replaces "friendly" bacteria. Wakunaga is a great source.

Proteolytic Enzymes (take as directed on label) - Reduces inflammation and aids in nutrient absorption.

Vitamin A with Mixed Carotenoids (25,000 iu daily for 2 weeks, then reduce to 15,000 IU daily) - Essential for the immune system.

Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids (5,000 - 10,000 mg daily) - Destroys the virus and boosts the immune system.

Dimethylglycine (DMG) (125 mg twice a day) - An immune stimulant that enhances oxygenization.

Garlic (2 capsules 3 times daily) - Nature’s antibiotic that acts as a powerful immune booster. Kyolic from Wakunaga is my brand of choice.

Vitamin B Complex (100 mg of each major B vitamin) - Boost energy and are needed for every bodily function.

Zinc (take as directed on label) - Powerful antioxidant. Use in lozenge form.

Super Green Formula (by Garden of Life) - Contains spirulina, which provides a host of phytonutrients that boost immunity.

Multivitamin and mineral complex (take as directed on the label) - Provides a base of necessary nutrients. Be sure to use a high-potency formula.

Astragalus and Echinacea (take as directed on label) - Powerful herbs that boost the immune system.

Cat’s Claw (take as directed on label) - Natural immune enhancer.

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