Mono impacts teenagers and young adults more than any other age group. It can leave you feeling extremely fatigued with a painful sore throat. You’re more likely to suffer from all of the common symptoms if you’re within those age groups. Mono is contagious but not as contagious as the common cold.
AFC Urgent Care Burlington provides testing and potential treatment for mono. Since it’s caused by a virus, there is no antibiotic or medication that can make your symptoms go away. Learn how to recognize the signs of mono, and visit our walk-in center to get tested today.
Common Symptoms of Mono
As mentioned earlier, teenagers and young adults are more likely to suffer from all of the common symptoms of mono. In all cases, symptoms may begin six weeks after you come into contact with the virus, but this may be less time for young children. Most symptoms will go away within two weeks, but some symptoms may last longer.
Signs of mono include:
- Sore throat, which can become severe
- Fatigue, which can become severe
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Headache
- Skin rash
- Potential belly pain due to a swollen spleen
Visit your doctor if you have any of the mentioned symptoms and if your symptoms don’t resolve themselves within one to two weeks.
What Causes Mono?
Mono is caused by a virus, but most cases are caused specifically by the Epstein-Barr virus. It spreads easily through saliva, so you can catch it from kissing or sharing food or drinks. Most adults have already been exposed to the Epstein-Barr virus, so their bodies have had enough time to build up antibodies.
Potential Complications from Mono
Complications from mono can be potentially life-threatening, so it’s important to rest throughout your recovery. Mono can cause the spleen to become enlarged. If you play contact sports too soon after your symptoms have subsided, your spleen can potentially rupture. Liver issues can also occur, as well as heart problems, swollen tonsils, issues with the nervous system, or low platelet counts.
These complications can be more severe and more common in those with compromised immune systems. If you have HIV/AIDS or are taking a drug to suppress your immune system, be sure to take extra caution with your symptoms.
It’s important to receive care from a doctor when you are showing signs of mono. The complications can be life-threatening, and you need to know the right steps to recover properly. Visit AFC Urgent Care Burlington to be seen by a board-certified medical professional today.
