Mono or mononucleosis is a common illness, but many know little about it. It is caused mainly by an infection of the Epstein-Barr Virus, though other viruses can also cause it. Mono has symptoms similar to other illnesses, but the symptoms can be concerning as they may last for months. It is essential to know mono symptoms and understand when to get tested for this "kissing disease."

AFC Urgent Care Elizabeth provides testing for mono, thanks to our on-site lab. This allows your results to be ready soon after testing with an accurate diagnosis. Feel better sooner by visiting the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Elizabeth today.

Types of Tests for Mono

Monospot

There are two types of tests to identify mono. The first is the monospot test which is based on antibodies. When infected by something dangerous or foreign, the immune system makes antibodies to fend off the invader. These antibodies are in the blood and will appear after they are made due to infections like mono. A positive monospot test will indicate that the body has been infected and is fighting against mono. This test is quick but can result in a false result, so the second test method is often done alongside it.

EBV Antibody

EBV often causes mono, so testing for EBV antibodies can also identify it. The EBV antibody test will show all EV antibodies, and while some indicate current infection, others will indicate a past infection that may never have been diagnosed. Taking a sample from the throat to check for strep throat can rule out mono as the cause of illness. A blood test for high white blood cell counts can also be used to indicate an infection that may be mono.

Symptoms of Mono

Mono has symptoms that may appear with allergies or the flu. While these can often be treated with medications, mono does not react the same way. It is important to monitor symptoms to discern mono from these other common conditions for the best treatment to occur.

Mono symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Rash
• Sore Throat
• Fever
• Headache
• Swollen glands

Treatment of Mono

There is no cure for mono, and it eventually will clear up. Diagnosing it can rule out other dangerous or possibly curable illnesses. Once diagnosed, a medical provider will likely first and foremost recommend rest.

Using its immune system, the body will recover from mono in a few weeks. Staying well-hydrated can help reduce symptoms and speed recovery. Over-the-counter pain and fever reducers can be used if needed to relieve those symptoms.

Mono symptoms sometimes run longer than a few weeks, and fatigue will linger even longer than other symptoms. The best way to avoid mono is to avoid sharing bodily fluids or contaminating yourself with anything that touches others' bodily fluids.