You might think of mono as the teenage kissing disease.
Experts say nearly 95 percent of us have been exposed to Epstein-Barr Virus. That's the virus that causes mono.
But now some believe that what was thought to be a dormant virus, may actually be the cause of several chronic unexplained diseases.
Yet it's another virus that seems to be getting all the attention.
According to the CDC, mumps virus cases have hit a ten-year high. The disease, hitting college campuses and schools across the country, presents flu-like symptoms and tell-tale swollen glands spread by saliva.
Just like another virus that starts with an "M." Mononucleosis, or mono.
But unlike mumps, mono can't be prevented by a vaccine. One doesn't exist.
And now, there's a growing belief that the virus that causes mono may also be responsible for a slew of other chronic conditions. Epstein-Barr virus, or E-B-V, was discovered in 1964. It's a member of the herpes virus family and is incredibly common and contagious, usually contracted during childhood.
The virus never goes away. Most thought it remained dormant, but it does re-activate in some cases. One expert believes it may also be the cause of other chronic conditions.
"Epstein-Barr virus is responsible for a number of chronic conditions," says Dr. Henry Balfour at the University of Minnesota. "Especially certain forms of cancer and autoimmune disease and even multiple sclerosis."
Dr. Balfour says nearly everyone with multiple sclerosis has been infected with E-B-V and some cases of mystery illness such as chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia could be related to a previous case of mono.
If you think this might affect you, ask your doctor for a blood test to see if you even have it and if it's active in your system.
If it is, talk to your doctor about your options. Experts suggest a course of antiviral medications, such as valtrex which is used to treat shingles and herpes. However the correct dose is critical because the wrong amount could make the the problem worse..
Dr. Balfour is working on a vaccine that may be available for human trials next year. Keep tabs on that research.