Mononucleosis is a common viral infection that affects many people. Diagnosing and treating mono promptly is essential for managing symptoms and preventing complications. In this blog, we’ll delve into the diagnostic process for mono, exploring the tests used by healthcare professionals to confirm the diagnosis. Additionally, we'll explore various treatment options available for mono to help alleviate symptoms and promote your recovery.
For same-day mono testing and treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Grand Junction. Our urgent care center is open seven days a week, allowing patients to stop by at their convenience– no appointment necessary.
Understanding Mononucleosis
Mononucleosis (mono) is a very contagious viral infection common especially in teenagers and young adults, however, it can affect children as well. Mono is caused by viruses, especially the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Mono is commonly referred to among young people as “the kissing disease” mostly because it is easily spread from person to person through body fluids like saliva. Mono might not have severe symptoms in most infected people. In fact, it will usually go away on its own without treatment. However, it can cause discomfort in your body for up to a month.
The symptoms of mononucleosis may be different from person to person and can range from mild to severe. Here are some common symptoms of mono:
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle aches
- Rashes
- Enlarged spleen or enlarged liver
How Is Mono Diagnosed?
Mono is best diagnosed by a medical professional because its symptoms may be similar to the symptoms of other similar infections. After the consideration of your all symptoms, and other contributing or related factors a medical professional will diagnose Mononucleosis through;
1. Physical Exam: A healthcare provider may diagnose mononucleosis through a physical exam. In a physical exam, a doctor will look for particular signs such as swollen lymph nodes, tonsils, liver or spleen. This helps them relate their findings with the symptoms you described.
2. Diagnostic Tests: If after the physical exam, the doctor feels there is a possibility for mono but more confirmation is needed, they may order blood tests. The antibody test is a blood test that checks your blood to see if the antibodies to the Epstein-Barr virus are present or not. The provider may also order a white blood cell count. This test is used to measure the number of white blood cells present in the body. It is used to determine if your body is fighting an infection. A white blood cell count on its own cannot confirm the presence of mono. However it is used to corroborate the information gotten from other tests and suggest that mono might be a possibility.
How To Treat Mono
Mono does not currently have a vaccine designed to prevent it. It also does not have a cure at the moment. Mono is tough to fight, in fact, antibiotics and antiviral medicine used typically to fight and kill other viruses are ineffective when it comes to mono. Treatment for mono is not aimed at a cure, it is aimed to relieve the individual symptoms until the virus goes away on its own. To relieve the symptoms of mono, treatment may include:
- Rest to help relieve fatigue
- Hydration to prevent general weakness
- Pain relievers like Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to ease fever, inflammation, headaches and muscle aches
- Sore throat medicine can also help relieve sore throat as well as salt water gargling and throat lozenges
- Avoid heavy physical activity so you don't put pressure on the enlarged spleen and risk rupture
Get Same-Day Mono Testing at AFC Urgent Care Grand Junction
Mono might not be the most threatening infection but it should be taken seriously. It can be generally treated at home but you may need to seek urgent care and call your healthcare provider if you have mononucleosis and you experience severe, worsening, or persistent symptoms. If you suspect that you or a loved one has mono, come visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Grand Junction for testing and treatment. Don’t ignore your symptoms– come visit our urgent care center today for walk-in treatment! We accept most health insurance plans and offer low-cost options for those without. If you have additional questions about the mono treatment, or other services we provide, please call to speak with us directly at (970) 609-2001.
