Understanding Mononucleosis In Simple Words
Mononucleosis, also known as mono or kissing disease, is a viral infection caused by Epstein-Barr Virus commonly transmitted through saliva. It is characterized by fatigue, sore throat, fever, body aches, etc.
As reported by the Cleveland Clinic, almost 95% of Americans suffer from mononucleosis by the age of 35. Since mono is often mistaken for a common cold, flu, or strep throat, it’s necessary to visit a nearby clinic for a proper diagnosis and complete treatment.
If you live in Indiana or Illinois, you can easily visit the Family Urgent Care clinic as we operate in three different locations: Rogers Park, Lincoln Park and Schererville.
Our experienced healthcare providers and doctors will address your symptoms and prescribe medicines that will help you feel better.
Some Common Symptoms Of Mono That You Should Know
If you or your child suffer from any of the following symptoms, it’s better to seek medical help as soon as possible.
- Feeling drained and fatigued
- Muscle aches, weakness and tiredness
- Headache
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Rash
- Enlarged liver or spleen
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
Some Complications Of Mononucleosis
Other than the symptoms listed above, patients with mononucleosis might experience complications that can be harmful. It’s essential to seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following:
- Jaundice
- Anemia, indicated by a decrease in haemoglobin levels
- Hepatitis, characterized by mild liver inflammation, is a concerning condition
- Enlargement of the spleen or, in extreme cases, spleen rupture, which presents with sharp pain in the upper abdomen and requires immediate attention
- Inflammation of the heart (myocarditis)
- Complications related to the nervous system
- Swelling of the tonsils
- Low blood platelet count (thrombocytopenia)
All in all, it’s crucial to get medical help and receive the prompt care you need for your illness.
What Tests Are Done For Mononucleosis?
The following tests are done for mononucleosis:
- Monospot test: A quick blood test that detects antibodies to the EBV, the virus that causes mononucleosis.
- EBV antibody test: This is a blood test that provides specific antibodies to EBV, providing more detailed information about the stage.
- CBC: This is a general blood test that shows an increase in white blood cells, which is a characteristic of mononucleosis.
In some cases, additional tests such as throat cultures or chest X-rays may be performed to rule out other possible causes of symptoms
Mono Is Common In Teenagers & Young Adults
Mononucleosis is more common in teenagers & young adults due to increased social interactions, developing immune systems, hormonal changes, or having multiple partners. So, if you’re a college student suffering from any symptoms like extreme fatigue, headache, muscle ache, fever, or sore throat, you can contact our clinic right away.
How Can Family Urgent Care Help You In Diagnosing And Treating Mono?
We are more than an urgent care clinic! Once you visit us, our experienced doctors evaluate your symptoms, ask about your medical history and any additional health concerns, if any. The doctor will order in-house mono testing to confirm the diagnosis.
Since we have a built-in lab testing facility, you can expect rapid results within 5 to 10 minutes. There is no specific medication to cure mono as it is a viral infection.
Therefore, the doctor focuses more on managing your symptoms once the diagnosis is confirmed and provides a personalized treatment plan to help you recover from the symptoms faster.
So, visit our clinic today or book an online phone or video appointment to consult our healthcare providers.
