Mononucleosis most commonly presents in which age group?

Mononucleosis most commonly presents in which age group?

• A. Adolescents
• B. Infants
• C. Adults over 60
• D. Preschool children

Answer: (A)

Mononucleosis with classic symptoms is most commonly seen when the primary EBV infection occurs in adolescence and early adulthood. In kids under about 10, EBV infections are often mild or asymptomatic, so the typical mono presentation is less common. Adults over 60 can get EBV too, but it’s less frequently the classic, textbook mono presentation. Preschool children similarly tend to have milder or non-specific illness. So adolescence is the age group where the full, recognizable mono picture appears most often.

Mononucleosis with classic symptoms is most commonly seen when the primary EBV infection occurs in adolescence and early adulthood. In kids under about 10, EBV infections are often mild or asymptomatic, so the typical mono presentation is less common. Adults over 60 can get EBV too, but it’s less frequently the classic, textbook mono presentation. Preschool children similarly tend to have milder or non-specific illness. So adolescence is the age group where the full, recognizable mono picture appears most often.