Learn if sharing drinks can lead to mono. Discover symptoms, prevention tips, and when to seek medical care at urgent care near you. Open 7 days a week, no appointment needed.
Here in Arvada, the drinks scene is no joking matter. Whether you're on the hunt for a latte from Sweet Bloom or a craft cocktail from The Arvada Tavern, look no further than our corner of Colorado for some of the best concoctions. However, we recommend being wary of sharing drinks with those around you, no matter how close you are to them, to avoid swapping infections like mono.
What Is Infectious Mononucleosis (Mono)
Mononucleosis, often referred to as "mono," is a viral infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). It's most common among teenagers and young adults. While typically mild, mono can cause fatigue, fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes.
How Does Mono Spread?
Mono is primarily spread through close personal contact with an infected individual. This can occur through:
- Saliva: Sharing saliva is the most common way to transmit mono. This includes kissing, sharing utensils, or sharing drinks.
- Coughing and Sneezing: Airborne droplets containing the virus can also spread mono.
- Blood Transfusions: In rare cases, mono can be transmitted through blood transfusions.
Yes, you can get mono from sharing drinks.
As saliva is a primary means of transmission, sharing beverages with an infected person can increase your risk of contracting the virus. This is especially true if the infected individual has an active infection with symptoms like a sore throat or swollen lymph nodes.
Symptoms of Mono
The symptoms of mono typically appear within a few weeks of exposure and can include:
- Fatigue: Extreme tiredness that may persist for several weeks.
- Fever: A low-grade fever that may come and go.
- Sore Throat: A severe sore throat that may be accompanied by difficulty swallowing.
- Swollen Lymph Nodes: Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, underarms, or groin.
- Loss of Appetite: Decreased appetite or difficulty eating.
- Headache: A mild to moderate headache.
- Rash: A rash may appear on the chest, abdomen, or arms.
When to Seek Urgent Care
While most cases of mono are self-limiting and resolve on their own, it's important to seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:
- Severe Symptoms: Severe fatigue, difficulty breathing, or severe chest pain.
- Persistent Symptoms: Symptoms that don't improve after several weeks.
- Complications: Complications associated with mono, such as splenomegaly (enlarged spleen) or hepatitis.
Visit AFC Arvada
If you suspect you may have mono, visiting our urgent care center can be a convenient and efficient way to get evaluated. Our team of dedicated providers can:
- Diagnose Mono: They can assess your symptoms, perform a physical exam, and order a simple blood test to confirm the diagnosis during your visit.
- Recommend Treatment: While there's no specific treatment for mono, urgent care providers can offer advice on managing symptoms and preventing complications.
- Address Other Concerns: If you have concerns about other potential illnesses or conditions, urgent care providers can assess and address them.
Sharing drinks with an infected individual can increase your risk of contracting mono. If you experience symptoms of mono, it's important to seek medical attention for diagnosis and treatment. By understanding the transmission of mono and taking preventive measures, you can reduce your risk of infection and promote your overall health.
