Mononucleosis also known as the kissing disease is defined from the American Heritage Stedman's Medical Dictionary as: Abnormally large numbers of mononuclear white blood cells in the blood, especially forms that are not normal. Mono is usually transmitted through saliva and mucus--which is where the "kissing disease" nickname comes from. It is spread by kissing, coughing, sneezing, or sharing glasses, etc. Mono affects your lymphatic system also known as your immune system. The lymph system is made up of tiny tubes, like blood vessels, that carry fluid through the body. These vessels carry cells that fight infection and disease.

Mononucleosis is an acute infectious disease that is caused by the Epstein Barr Virus (EBV), which is a member of the herpes family and is only found in humans. EBV is contained in the throat during acute infection. The Epstein-Barr virus which is not usually serious, remains in your...