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Signs and symptoms of mononucleosis (mono) can vary. Young children who are infected by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) often do not display any symptoms, or they experience minor symptoms similar to those associated with a minor respiratory infection (e.g., sore throat). Older children and teens are more likely to experience more severe symptoms of mono. In general, the older a person is when contracting the infection, the more severe and longer-lasting the symptoms are likely to be.

Fatigue is one of the chief symptoms that accompany mono. Initially, people may feel so tired that they struggle to get out of bed. However, over time, this fatigue gradually gets better. Other symptoms associated with mono include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Night sweats
• Skin rash (not usually itchy)
• Abdominal pain
• Soft, swollen spleen
• Sore throat
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck and armpits
• Swollen tonsils
• Weakness