The Bad:
Kissing Disease
Infectious Mononucleosis (Kissing Disease), otherwise known as Mono is the disease commonly caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, or EBV. The symptoms depend on age. For children, the symptoms are very mild, if they are even present at all. Symptoms will seem like a mild flu or throat infection. For teenagers, there is a characteristic triad of symptoms: fever, sore throat, and swollen glands. Other common symptoms include: fatigue, headaches, and abdominal pains. Mono mainly infects younger adults. However, if an older adult does get the disease, the symptoms are usually more serious. Instead of the characteristic sore throat and swollen lymph nodes, adults are more likely to experience prolonged fever, aches, and body pains.
Unfortunately, Mono does not have a vaccine. It cannot be treated with antibiotics, as it is a virus. However, symptoms usually get better on their own. Recommendations include pain medication and plenty of bedrest. And here is a little advice and myth-busting to prevent you from even getting Mono. While Mono’s most well-known method of transmission is through kisses (hence its alternate name ‘kissing disease’.) However, it is not only spread through kissing. Indeed, it is possible to get mono without ever having kissed anyone at all. The disease is transmitted through saliva/mucus, so you can get it from totally mundane things, like coughing or sneezing. You can also get it through other methods of swapping saliva, like sharing drinks.
While kissing can have just as many bad effects as good ones, remember to have fun and stay safe during your summer romances!