In Okemos, Dr. Dennis Perry at Meridian Primary Care is treating infectious mononucleosis.

It is most commonly diagnosed in adolescents and young adults. Older adults usually do not get mono, because they have immunity to the virus.

Mono is spread through contact with saliva and mucus from the nose and throat. Because the virus can be spread through kissing, it's often referred to as the kissing disease.

There are three main symptoms: severe sore throat, swollen lymph glands including the spleen, and fever. Other symptoms include: fatigue, weakness, and loss of appetite.

To treat mono, it's important to get plenty of rest. In some cases, bed rest may be required.

You should also gargle with salt water or use throat lozenges to soothe your sore throat, and take acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce fever.

You should also avoid contact sports and heavy lifting since the spleen may be enlarged and impact or straining could cause it to burst.

Dr. Perry is also treating the common cold this week.

Low-grade fever, cough, stuffy nose and wheezing are the symptoms.
The cough can linger up to two weeks.

If you have body aches, chills and a high-grade fever, you may have the flu, not just a cold.

To treat a cold, drink a lot of fluids, take Tylenol or ibuprofen for fever control and pain relief, and get a lot of rest so your body can fight off the virus effectively.

If you have a high-grade fever or breathing problems, you should see a doctor. Same goes if your cough persists longer than 14 days.