GITNUXREPORT 2026

Mono Statistics

Mono is an extremely common and often symptomless lifelong virus.

Alexander Schmidt

Research Analyst specializing in technology and digital transformation trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

Splenic rupture occurs in 0.1-0.5% of mono cases, presenting with sudden severe abdominal pain

Statistic 2

Airway obstruction from tonsillar hypertrophy requires intubation in 0.2% of severe mono cases

Statistic 3

Hemolytic anemia develops in 1-3% of mono patients, often Coombs-positive

Statistic 4

Thrombocytopenia <50,000/uL in 2-5%, resolving spontaneously in 90%

Statistic 5

Guillain-Barré syndrome follows mono in 1 per 10,000 cases

Statistic 6

Myocarditis with ECG changes in 1-5%, troponin elevation in 7%

Statistic 7

Neurological complications like meningitis in 0.5-1%, aseptic type

Statistic 8

Chronic active EBV infection post-mono in <0.1%, fatal in 50% untreated

Statistic 9

Reye syndrome association with aspirin in mono children, risk 20-30x increased

Statistic 10

Secondary bacterial infection (strep pharyngitis) in 10-20% of mono cases

Statistic 11

Hepatitis with ALT >500 IU/L in 10%, fulminant in 0.01%

Statistic 12

Lymphoma risk elevated 4-fold in first year post-mono

Statistic 13

Multiple sclerosis onset triggered by mono in 32x relative risk per GWAS studies

Statistic 14

Encephalitis in 0.1%, with EBV DNA in CSF

Statistic 15

Pneumonitis rare at 0.5%, interstitial pattern on CXR

Statistic 16

Aplastic anemia in 0.05%, EBV-driven immune-mediated

Statistic 17

Pericarditis with effusion in 1%, self-limited

Statistic 18

Optic neuritis post-mono in 1 per 50,000 cases

Statistic 19

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) in 0.2%, mortality 20%

Statistic 20

Cold agglutinin disease causing hemolysis in 1%

Statistic 21

Transverse myelitis rare, 0.01%, EBV-associated

Statistic 22

Orchitis in male adolescents, 0.5%, unilateral painful

Statistic 23

Post-mono chronic fatigue 10-20% at 6 months, 5% at 12 months

Statistic 24

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia peak incidence 2-3 weeks post-symptom onset

Statistic 25

Splenic infarction in 0.3% with imaging, asymptomatic often

Statistic 26

EBV-associated gastric cancer risk increased 3x after infectious mono history

Statistic 27

Bell's palsy following mono in 0.2%, unilateral facial weakness

Statistic 28

Infectious mononucleosis has a male-to-female ratio of 1.2:1 in adolescents

Statistic 29

Among US college students, 55% of mono cases occur in females aged 18-22

Statistic 30

Peak mono incidence in males is at 16-20 years, with 58 cases per 100,000, vs. females at 14-18 years with 52 per 100,000

Statistic 31

African American adolescents have 20% lower mono seroprevalence than Caucasians at college entry

Statistic 32

In Europe, mono affects urban dwellers 1.5 times more than rural populations due to density

Statistic 33

Socioeconomic status inversely correlates with adolescent mono risk; low SES groups have 2x higher rates

Statistic 34

Among US military personnel, mono incidence is 2x higher in enlisted ranks vs. officers

Statistic 35

Hispanic youth in US show EBV seropositivity at 65% by age 12 vs. 45% in non-Hispanic whites

Statistic 36

Mono cases in 10-14 year olds are 40% female, rising to 60% female in 20-24 year olds

Statistic 37

In Australia, Indigenous populations have 1.8x higher mono notification rates than non-Indigenous

Statistic 38

College athletes experience mono at rates 1.3x higher than non-athletes due to physical contact

Statistic 39

In UK, mono diagnosis rates are 25% higher in private school attendees vs. state schools

Statistic 40

Asian American college students have EBV seroprevalence of 75% vs. 50% in white students

Statistic 41

Mono in adults over 30 is 70% female, often healthcare workers

Statistic 42

In Scandinavia, mono peaks in females aged 15-19 at 70 per 100,000 vs. 50 in males

Statistic 43

US foster care children show 85% EBV exposure by age 10 vs. 60% general population

Statistic 44

Mono incidence among international students in US is 3x higher in first semester

Statistic 45

In Canada, 15-19 year old females have 15.2 mono hospitalizations per 100,000 vs. 10.8 in males

Statistic 46

Lower income quintiles in US have 1.4x mono rates in teens per NHANES data

Statistic 47

Mono cases in obese adolescents (BMI>30) are 25% less symptomatic than normal weight peers

Statistic 48

In Israel, Jewish vs. Arab youth show 55% vs. 80% EBV seroprevalence at army induction

Statistic 49

US boarding school students have 4x mono incidence vs. day students

Statistic 50

Females with family history of autoimmune disease have 1.6x mono risk

Statistic 51

In Japan, urban high school girls report mono 1.7x more than boys

Statistic 52

Mono affects 60% of sorority vs. 40% fraternity members in US Greek life over 4 years

Statistic 53

Elderly mono (>60 years) is 80% female, often post-transplant

Statistic 54

Infectious mononucleosis, commonly known as mono, affects approximately 45% of children by age 5 and up to 90% of adults worldwide by age 40 due to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) exposure

Statistic 55

In the United States, around 500,000 cases of symptomatic infectious mononucleosis are diagnosed each year among adolescents and young adults

Statistic 56

EBV, the primary cause of mono, infects over 90% of the global population by adulthood, with most infections asymptomatic

Statistic 57

The incidence rate of symptomatic mono peaks at 6-8 cases per 1,000 individuals aged 15-19 years in developed countries

Statistic 58

Mono outbreaks in college settings show attack rates of up to 15% among susceptible freshmen during a single semester

Statistic 59

Globally, EBV-associated mono contributes to 1-2% of all acute pharyngitis cases in primary care settings

Statistic 60

In Europe, the seroprevalence of EBV rises from 50% at age 5 to 90% by age 25, correlating with mono epidemiology

Statistic 61

Seasonal variation shows mono cases peak in late spring and early autumn, with a 20-30% increase during these periods in temperate climates

Statistic 62

EBV primary infection rates in immunocompetent children under 4 years result in symptomatic mono in only 25% of cases

Statistic 63

In the UK, general practitioners report 2.5 mono diagnoses per 1,000 consultations annually in 10-19 year olds

Statistic 64

Hospitalization rates for mono complications stand at 1-2% of all diagnosed cases in the US

Statistic 65

Mono incidence has remained stable at 30-50 cases per 100,000 population yearly in Scandinavian countries since 2000

Statistic 66

EBV mono transmission via saliva leads to secondary attack rates of 10-20% in household contacts of index cases

Statistic 67

In developing countries, mono-like illness from EBV occurs in 70% of children before age 4, reducing adolescent symptomatic cases

Statistic 68

US military recruits experience mono incidence of 5-10 per 1,000 person-years due to close quarters

Statistic 69

Mono seroconversion rates show 50% of US college students acquire EBV during their first year away from home

Statistic 70

In Australia, notified mono cases average 1,200 per year, with a rate of 4.7 per 100,000 population

Statistic 71

EBV mono accounts for 4% of sore throat presentations in UK emergency departments among teens

Statistic 72

Long-term EBV latency post-mono affects 95% of infected individuals lifelong

Statistic 73

Mono case-fatality rate is less than 0.1% in immunocompetent hosts but rises to 5% with splenic rupture

Statistic 74

In China, EBV primary infection seroprevalence reaches 80% by age 10, shifting mono peak to younger ages

Statistic 75

US ambulatory care visits for mono total 125,000 annually, per National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey data

Statistic 76

Mono incidence in HIV-negative adults over 30 is under 1 per 10,000 yearly

Statistic 77

EBV mono clusters in daycares show 30% infection rate among exposed toddlers

Statistic 78

In Japan, school absenteeism due to mono affects 0.5% of high school students annually

Statistic 79

Global burden of EBV mono estimated at 1.5 million symptomatic cases yearly in 15-24 age group

Statistic 80

Mono positivity rate in heterophile antibody tests at US labs averages 8% of requested samples from teens

Statistic 81

In Canada, mono hospitalization rates are 2.1 per 100,000, highest in 15-19 year olds at 12.4 per 100,000

Statistic 82

EBV mono recurrence rate is 0.1-0.5% due to reactivation in stressed individuals

Statistic 83

Supportive care resolves 99% of mono cases without intervention

Statistic 84

Bed rest recommended until afebrile 3 days, reducing activity 4-6 weeks for spleen safety

Statistic 85

Acetaminophen or ibuprofen controls fever/pain in 90% of mono patients effectively

Statistic 86

Corticosteroids used in 5% severe cases (airway compromise), shortening symptoms by 3 days

Statistic 87

Heterophile Ab (Monospot) sensitivity 85% after week 1, specificity 94%

Statistic 88

EBV VCA IgM serology confirms acute infection in 95% of cases

Statistic 89

Ultrasound spleen monitoring in 20% high-risk, rupture risk peaks week 4

Statistic 90

Acyclovir shortens viral shedding but not symptoms, used in 1% immunocompromised

Statistic 91

Return to sports after 3 negative spleen ultrasounds or 4-6 weeks, 95% complication-free

Statistic 92

Hydration IV in 5% dehydrated mono cases, shortening hospital stay to 2 days

Statistic 93

Avoidance of contact sports reduces splenic injury by 90% in mono athletes

Statistic 94

No routine antibiotics; amoxicillin avoided due to 95% rash risk

Statistic 95

80% symptom resolution by 4 weeks, full recovery 3-6 months in 90%

Statistic 96

EBV PCR quantifies viral load, >10^5 copies/mL in severe disease, guides rituximab use

Statistic 97

Ganciclovir effective in 70% transplant mono cases, reducing viremia 50%

Statistic 98

Counseling on kissing/transmission reduces spread by 40% in households

Statistic 99

Hospital length of stay averages 3.2 days for mono complications

Statistic 100

Fatigue management with graded exercise improves 6-month outcomes in 65%

Statistic 101

IgG seroconversion lifelong in 95%, conferring immunity to mono reinfection

Statistic 102

Splenectomy avoided in 99% rupture cases with angioembolization success 85%

Statistic 103

Post-exposure prophylaxis not recommended, as incubation 4-6 weeks

Statistic 104

70% reduction in school absenteeism with early diagnosis and rest

Statistic 105

Rituximab clears chronic EBV in 60% refractory cases

Statistic 106

Pharyngitis pain affects 85% of mono patients, lasting average 7-10 days

Statistic 107

Exudative pharyngitis with tonsillar enlargement occurs in 70-80% of classic mono cases

Statistic 108

Severe fatigue is reported in 95% of symptomatic mono patients, persisting >1 month in 50%

Statistic 109

Cervical lymphadenopathy >2cm affects 90% of cases, posterior chain most common at 60%

Statistic 110

Fever >38.5°C occurs in 80-90% of mono patients for median 7 days

Statistic 111

Splenomegaly detected in 50-60% via physical exam, up to 100% on ultrasound

Statistic 112

Hepatomegaly present in 10-15% of cases, with ALT elevation in 80-90%

Statistic 113

Palatal petechiae seen in 25-50% of acute mono presentations

Statistic 114

Rash develops in 3-15% spontaneously, 90% if ampicillin given

Statistic 115

Periorbital edema occurs in 10-20% of pediatric mono cases

Statistic 116

Myalgias and arthralgias affect 20-30% of patients, peaking week 2-3

Statistic 117

Headache reported in 40-50% of mono cases, often frontal and severe

Statistic 118

Night sweats occur in 15-25% of symptomatic EBV mono infections

Statistic 119

Uvular edema noted in 5-10% of severe pharyngitis mono cases

Statistic 120

Weight loss averages 5-10% body weight in 30% of prolonged mono cases

Statistic 121

Sore throat severity scores (VAS) average 7.2/10 in first week of mono

Statistic 122

Axillary lymphadenopathy in 50%, inguinal in 25% of mono patients

Statistic 123

Conjunctivitis mild in 5-10%, non-purulent

Statistic 124

Anorexia and nausea in 20%, contributing to dehydration risk

Statistic 125

Dry cough in 15-20%, due to post-nasal drip from pharyngitis

Statistic 126

Mono spot test positive in 85% of cases by day 7, 97% by week 4

Statistic 127

Chronic fatigue syndrome-like symptoms persist 6+ months in 11% of mono patients

Statistic 128

Abdominal pain from splenomegaly in 25%, localized left upper quadrant

Statistic 129

Skin rash morphology maculopapular in 80% of ampicillin-associated cases

Statistic 130

Lymph node tenderness in 70%, with sizes up to 5cm diameter

Statistic 131

Jaundice visible in 5% of mono hepatitis cases

1/131

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Believe it or not, by the time you reach forty, there's a 90% chance you've encountered the so-called "kissing disease," a widespread viral infection whose surprisingly common statistics and significant impact we'll explore in this post.

Key Takeaways

Infectious mononucleosis, commonly known as mono, affects approximately 45% of children by age 5 and up to 90% of adults worldwide by age 40 due to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) exposure
In the United States, around 500,000 cases of symptomatic infectious mononucleosis are diagnosed each year among adolescents and young adults
EBV, the primary cause of mono, infects over 90% of the global population by adulthood, with most infections asymptomatic
Infectious mononucleosis has a male-to-female ratio of 1.2:1 in adolescents
Among US college students, 55% of mono cases occur in females aged 18-22
Peak mono incidence in males is at 16-20 years, with 58 cases per 100,000, vs. females at 14-18 years with 52 per 100,000
Pharyngitis pain affects 85% of mono patients, lasting average 7-10 days
Exudative pharyngitis with tonsillar enlargement occurs in 70-80% of classic mono cases
Severe fatigue is reported in 95% of symptomatic mono patients, persisting >1 month in 50%
Splenic rupture occurs in 0.1-0.5% of mono cases, presenting with sudden severe abdominal pain
Airway obstruction from tonsillar hypertrophy requires intubation in 0.2% of severe mono cases
Hemolytic anemia develops in 1-3% of mono patients, often Coombs-positive
Supportive care resolves 99% of mono cases without intervention
Bed rest recommended until afebrile 3 days, reducing activity 4-6 weeks for spleen safety
Acetaminophen or ibuprofen controls fever/pain in 90% of mono patients effectively

Mono is an extremely common and often symptomless lifelong virus.

Complications

Splenic rupture occurs in 0.1-0.5% of mono cases, presenting with sudden severe abdominal pain
Airway obstruction from tonsillar hypertrophy requires intubation in 0.2% of severe mono cases
Hemolytic anemia develops in 1-3% of mono patients, often Coombs-positive
Thrombocytopenia <50,000/uL in 2-5%, resolving spontaneously in 90%
Guillain-Barré syndrome follows mono in 1 per 10,000 cases
Myocarditis with ECG changes in 1-5%, troponin elevation in 7%
Neurological complications like meningitis in 0.5-1%, aseptic type
Chronic active EBV infection post-mono in <0.1%, fatal in 50% untreated
Reye syndrome association with aspirin in mono children, risk 20-30x increased
Secondary bacterial infection (strep pharyngitis) in 10-20% of mono cases
Hepatitis with ALT >500 IU/L in 10%, fulminant in 0.01%
Lymphoma risk elevated 4-fold in first year post-mono
Multiple sclerosis onset triggered by mono in 32x relative risk per GWAS studies
Encephalitis in 0.1%, with EBV DNA in CSF
Pneumonitis rare at 0.5%, interstitial pattern on CXR
Aplastic anemia in 0.05%, EBV-driven immune-mediated
Pericarditis with effusion in 1%, self-limited
Optic neuritis post-mono in 1 per 50,000 cases
Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) in 0.2%, mortality 20%
Cold agglutinin disease causing hemolysis in 1%
Transverse myelitis rare, 0.01%, EBV-associated
Orchitis in male adolescents, 0.5%, unilateral painful
Post-mono chronic fatigue 10-20% at 6 months, 5% at 12 months
Autoimmune hemolytic anemia peak incidence 2-3 weeks post-symptom onset
Splenic infarction in 0.3% with imaging, asymptomatic often
EBV-associated gastric cancer risk increased 3x after infectious mono history
Bell's palsy following mono in 0.2%, unilateral facial weakness

Complications Interpretation

It may present itself as the "kissing disease," but infectious mononucleosis can swiftly evolve into a masterclass in immunological chaos, capable of hijacking nearly every organ system with a startling array of severe, albeit statistically rare, complications.

Demographics

Infectious mononucleosis has a male-to-female ratio of 1.2:1 in adolescents
Among US college students, 55% of mono cases occur in females aged 18-22
Peak mono incidence in males is at 16-20 years, with 58 cases per 100,000, vs. females at 14-18 years with 52 per 100,000
African American adolescents have 20% lower mono seroprevalence than Caucasians at college entry
In Europe, mono affects urban dwellers 1.5 times more than rural populations due to density
Socioeconomic status inversely correlates with adolescent mono risk; low SES groups have 2x higher rates
Among US military personnel, mono incidence is 2x higher in enlisted ranks vs. officers
Hispanic youth in US show EBV seropositivity at 65% by age 12 vs. 45% in non-Hispanic whites
Mono cases in 10-14 year olds are 40% female, rising to 60% female in 20-24 year olds
In Australia, Indigenous populations have 1.8x higher mono notification rates than non-Indigenous
College athletes experience mono at rates 1.3x higher than non-athletes due to physical contact
In UK, mono diagnosis rates are 25% higher in private school attendees vs. state schools
Asian American college students have EBV seroprevalence of 75% vs. 50% in white students
Mono in adults over 30 is 70% female, often healthcare workers
In Scandinavia, mono peaks in females aged 15-19 at 70 per 100,000 vs. 50 in males
US foster care children show 85% EBV exposure by age 10 vs. 60% general population
Mono incidence among international students in US is 3x higher in first semester
In Canada, 15-19 year old females have 15.2 mono hospitalizations per 100,000 vs. 10.8 in males
Lower income quintiles in US have 1.4x mono rates in teens per NHANES data
Mono cases in obese adolescents (BMI>30) are 25% less symptomatic than normal weight peers
In Israel, Jewish vs. Arab youth show 55% vs. 80% EBV seroprevalence at army induction
US boarding school students have 4x mono incidence vs. day students
Females with family history of autoimmune disease have 1.6x mono risk
In Japan, urban high school girls report mono 1.7x more than boys
Mono affects 60% of sorority vs. 40% fraternity members in US Greek life over 4 years
Elderly mono (>60 years) is 80% female, often post-transplant

Demographics Interpretation

This cascade of data reveals that mono doesn't merely spread randomly but follows a precise socioeconomic blueprint, disproportionately targeting those who are younger, female, urban, and systemically disadvantaged, while largely sparing the affluent and isolated.

Epidemiology

Infectious mononucleosis, commonly known as mono, affects approximately 45% of children by age 5 and up to 90% of adults worldwide by age 40 due to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) exposure
In the United States, around 500,000 cases of symptomatic infectious mononucleosis are diagnosed each year among adolescents and young adults
EBV, the primary cause of mono, infects over 90% of the global population by adulthood, with most infections asymptomatic
The incidence rate of symptomatic mono peaks at 6-8 cases per 1,000 individuals aged 15-19 years in developed countries
Mono outbreaks in college settings show attack rates of up to 15% among susceptible freshmen during a single semester
Globally, EBV-associated mono contributes to 1-2% of all acute pharyngitis cases in primary care settings
In Europe, the seroprevalence of EBV rises from 50% at age 5 to 90% by age 25, correlating with mono epidemiology
Seasonal variation shows mono cases peak in late spring and early autumn, with a 20-30% increase during these periods in temperate climates
EBV primary infection rates in immunocompetent children under 4 years result in symptomatic mono in only 25% of cases
In the UK, general practitioners report 2.5 mono diagnoses per 1,000 consultations annually in 10-19 year olds
Hospitalization rates for mono complications stand at 1-2% of all diagnosed cases in the US
Mono incidence has remained stable at 30-50 cases per 100,000 population yearly in Scandinavian countries since 2000
EBV mono transmission via saliva leads to secondary attack rates of 10-20% in household contacts of index cases
In developing countries, mono-like illness from EBV occurs in 70% of children before age 4, reducing adolescent symptomatic cases
US military recruits experience mono incidence of 5-10 per 1,000 person-years due to close quarters
Mono seroconversion rates show 50% of US college students acquire EBV during their first year away from home
In Australia, notified mono cases average 1,200 per year, with a rate of 4.7 per 100,000 population
EBV mono accounts for 4% of sore throat presentations in UK emergency departments among teens
Long-term EBV latency post-mono affects 95% of infected individuals lifelong
Mono case-fatality rate is less than 0.1% in immunocompetent hosts but rises to 5% with splenic rupture
In China, EBV primary infection seroprevalence reaches 80% by age 10, shifting mono peak to younger ages
US ambulatory care visits for mono total 125,000 annually, per National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey data
Mono incidence in HIV-negative adults over 30 is under 1 per 10,000 yearly
EBV mono clusters in daycares show 30% infection rate among exposed toddlers
In Japan, school absenteeism due to mono affects 0.5% of high school students annually
Global burden of EBV mono estimated at 1.5 million symptomatic cases yearly in 15-24 age group
Mono positivity rate in heterophile antibody tests at US labs averages 8% of requested samples from teens
In Canada, mono hospitalization rates are 2.1 per 100,000, highest in 15-19 year olds at 12.4 per 100,000
EBV mono recurrence rate is 0.1-0.5% due to reactivation in stressed individuals

Epidemiology Interpretation

It's the world's most polite pandemic, where the virus politely waits for you to leave home for college before it enthusiastically shakes you by the throat in a party-like atmosphere that 90% of adults eventually receive an invitation to.

Management and Outcomes

Supportive care resolves 99% of mono cases without intervention
Bed rest recommended until afebrile 3 days, reducing activity 4-6 weeks for spleen safety
Acetaminophen or ibuprofen controls fever/pain in 90% of mono patients effectively
Corticosteroids used in 5% severe cases (airway compromise), shortening symptoms by 3 days
Heterophile Ab (Monospot) sensitivity 85% after week 1, specificity 94%
EBV VCA IgM serology confirms acute infection in 95% of cases
Ultrasound spleen monitoring in 20% high-risk, rupture risk peaks week 4
Acyclovir shortens viral shedding but not symptoms, used in 1% immunocompromised
Return to sports after 3 negative spleen ultrasounds or 4-6 weeks, 95% complication-free
Hydration IV in 5% dehydrated mono cases, shortening hospital stay to 2 days
Avoidance of contact sports reduces splenic injury by 90% in mono athletes
No routine antibiotics; amoxicillin avoided due to 95% rash risk
80% symptom resolution by 4 weeks, full recovery 3-6 months in 90%
EBV PCR quantifies viral load, >10^5 copies/mL in severe disease, guides rituximab use
Ganciclovir effective in 70% transplant mono cases, reducing viremia 50%
Counseling on kissing/transmission reduces spread by 40% in households
Hospital length of stay averages 3.2 days for mono complications
Fatigue management with graded exercise improves 6-month outcomes in 65%
IgG seroconversion lifelong in 95%, conferring immunity to mono reinfection
Splenectomy avoided in 99% rupture cases with angioembolization success 85%
Post-exposure prophylaxis not recommended, as incubation 4-6 weeks
70% reduction in school absenteeism with early diagnosis and rest
Rituximab clears chronic EBV in 60% refractory cases

Management and Outcomes Interpretation

Mono boldly declares it's mostly a waiting game, where your only jobs are to rest, hydrate, avoid amoxicillin like a bad blind date, and protect your spleen from rogue frisbees, because the stats prove that time, ibuprofen, and common sense are the true miracle cures.

Symptoms and Signs

Pharyngitis pain affects 85% of mono patients, lasting average 7-10 days
Exudative pharyngitis with tonsillar enlargement occurs in 70-80% of classic mono cases
Severe fatigue is reported in 95% of symptomatic mono patients, persisting >1 month in 50%
Cervical lymphadenopathy >2cm affects 90% of cases, posterior chain most common at 60%
Fever >38.5°C occurs in 80-90% of mono patients for median 7 days
Splenomegaly detected in 50-60% via physical exam, up to 100% on ultrasound
Hepatomegaly present in 10-15% of cases, with ALT elevation in 80-90%
Palatal petechiae seen in 25-50% of acute mono presentations
Rash develops in 3-15% spontaneously, 90% if ampicillin given
Periorbital edema occurs in 10-20% of pediatric mono cases
Myalgias and arthralgias affect 20-30% of patients, peaking week 2-3
Headache reported in 40-50% of mono cases, often frontal and severe
Night sweats occur in 15-25% of symptomatic EBV mono infections
Uvular edema noted in 5-10% of severe pharyngitis mono cases
Weight loss averages 5-10% body weight in 30% of prolonged mono cases
Sore throat severity scores (VAS) average 7.2/10 in first week of mono
Axillary lymphadenopathy in 50%, inguinal in 25% of mono patients
Conjunctivitis mild in 5-10%, non-purulent
Anorexia and nausea in 20%, contributing to dehydration risk
Dry cough in 15-20%, due to post-nasal drip from pharyngitis
Mono spot test positive in 85% of cases by day 7, 97% by week 4
Chronic fatigue syndrome-like symptoms persist 6+ months in 11% of mono patients
Abdominal pain from splenomegaly in 25%, localized left upper quadrant
Skin rash morphology maculopapular in 80% of ampicillin-associated cases
Lymph node tenderness in 70%, with sizes up to 5cm diameter
Jaundice visible in 5% of mono hepatitis cases

Symptoms and Signs Interpretation

The statistics paint a portrait of a virus that delivers a brutal, drawn-out siege on the body, where a week of agony in the throat is just the opening act for months of profound exhaustion.

Sources & References

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