The throat may appear red and the tonsils covered with a whitish material. Mononucleosis and severe streptococcal tonsillitis appear quite similar. Unless there are other findings to suggest mononucleosis, a throat culture and blood studies may be necessary to make an accurate diagnosis. In teenagers and young adults, there is frequently a sore throat and red tonsils with whitish spots exudate , as seen in this picture.
Enlarged lymph nodes and fatigue are also common. Antigens are large molecules usually proteins on the surface of cells, viruses, fungi, bacteria, and some non-living substances such as toxins, chemicals, drugs, and foreign particles. The immune system recognizes antigens and produces antibodies that destroy substances containing antigens. Mono is often spread by saliva and close contact. It is known as "the kissing disease.
Rarely, it is caused by other viruses, such as cytomegalovirus CMV. Mono may begin slowly with fatigue, a general ill feeling, headache, and sore throat.
The sore throat slowly gets worse. Your tonsils become swollen and develop a whitish-yellow covering. Often, the lymph nodes in the neck are swollen and painful. A pink, measles-like rash can occur, and is more likely if you take the medicine ampicillin or amoxicillin for a throat infection. Antibiotics are typically not given without a test that shows you have a strep infection.
The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms. Steroid medicine prednisone may be given if your symptoms are severe. The fever usually drops in 10 days, and swollen lymph glands and spleen heal in 4 weeks. Tiredness usually goes away within a few weeks, but it may linger for 2 to 3 months. Nearly everyone recovers completely. The early symptoms of mono feel very much like any other illness caused by a virus. You do not need to contact a provider unless your symptoms last longer than 10 days or you develop:.
People with mono may be contagious while they have symptoms and for up to a few months afterwards. How long someone with the disease is contagious varies. If you have mono, don't share the virus with your friends and family as you recover. Wash your hands well and often, sneeze or cough into a tissue or your elbow not your hands , and keep your drinks and eating utensils to yourself. This is one time when your friends and family will thank you for being selfish.
Mono can make the spleen swell for a few weeks or longer. An enlarged spleen can rupture, causing pain and bleeding inside the belly, and needs emergency surgery. So doctors recommend that teens who have mono avoid contact sports for at least a month after symptoms are gone. Don't do any strenuous activities until your doctor says it's OK.
In most cases, mono symptoms go away in a matter of weeks with plenty of rest and fluids. If they seem to linger or get worse, or if you have any other questions, call your doctor. Larger text size Large text size Regular text size. What Is Mononucleosis? What Causes Mono? These include: fever sore throat with swollen tonsils that may have white patches swollen lymph nodes glands in the neck being very tired A person also can have: headaches sore muscles weakness belly pain with a larger-than-normal liver or spleen an organ in the upper left part of the belly skin rash loss of appetite Is Mono Contagious?
How Is Mono Diagnosed? How Is Mono Treated? How Long Does Mono Last? The clinician may swab the back of your throat. If streptococcus strep is present, you may be treated with an antibiotic.
Blood tests for mono measure antibodies to the virus and therefore testing is not usually positive until symptoms have been present for one week or more. If streptococcus is not present and your symptoms continue for days, you should return to your clinician for possible further testing. Treatment: Like the common cold, mono is a viral infection with no cure. You can follow these self-care measures to feel better. Gargle: To reduce throat pain, gargle with one teaspoon of salt or baking soda dissolved in a glass of very warm water.
You can purchase non-prescription medications like Chloraseptic gargle or lozenges, or your clinician may write a prescription for gargles that reduce throat pain and make swallowing easier. Take medication: For fever, sore throat, head and body aches, ibuprofen or naproxen Aleve are available without prescription. Follow directions on packaging. Avoid acetaminophen Tylenol because of possible liver inflammation that can be associated with mono. In addition, you need to take special care of yourself during recovery.
Refrain from vigorous activities: Because mono can affect the entire lymph system, including the spleen located under your left lower rib cage , avoid vigorous activities such as football, soccer or running. Do not play contact sports until at least weeks after diagnosis or onset of symptoms. You can do mild exercises such as walking or swimming, as long as the activity doesn't increase fatigue.
Rest at least eight hours per night: Attend classes if you feel able, but plan to rest often. Eat nutritious foods: To strengthen your immune system and help reduce symptoms, eat antioxidant rich foods like leafy vegetables, peppers, and blueberries, avoid refined foods like sugar and white breads, and blend your foods or eat them with a liquid to soothe a sore throat.
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