What Is Mono and What Are the Symptoms?

April 14, 2023

So, what is mono, and what are the symptoms? American Family Care in Greater Boulder has answers, and treatment, for you. Mononucleosis (mono) is an infectious viral disease most commonly caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), but other viruses can also cause it. Also sometimes known as the “kissing disease,” mono is spread through saliva and can even be passed from person to person from sharing cutlery and utensils. According to the CDC, mono occurs mainly among teenagers and young adults, especially college students. The CDC indicates that at least one out of four young adults exposed to EBV will contract infectious mononucleosis.

What Is the Epstein-Barr Virus?

Also known as herpesvirus 4, EBV is a member of the family of herpes viruses. Many people get infected with EBV at some point in their lives, and it spreads primarily through saliva and other bodily fluids like semen and blood. The virus is typically known to cause infectious mononucleosis but can also cause other illnesses. Most people get infected with EBV when they are children; sometimes, symptoms aren’t apparent. Older people, like teenagers and adults, will usually develop signs and can expect to get better within two to four weeks. After you become infected with EBV, the virus becomes inactive but remains in your body. This means that if you have a weakened immune system, you may experience symptoms if the virus becomes active again, but this isn’t always the case.

Symptoms of Mono in Adults

Typical symptoms of mono in adults are seen four to six weeks after infection by EBV and may appear slowly and occur at different times. Here is a list of the most common symptoms of infectious mononucleosis:

Fatigue
Fever
Sore throat
Head and body aches
Swollen lymph nodes in armpits and neck
Rash

Some less common mono flare-up symptoms include an enlarged liver and spleen. The CDC indicates that some people may have a swollen liver or spleen even after the fatigue has passed. Most people infected with mono recover in two to four weeks, but they may experience fatigue for up to several weeks. In some rare cases, the CDC indicates that the symptoms of mono can remain for at least six months after infection.

Treatment for Mono in Greater Boulder

It is not recommended that antibiotics are taken in the treatment of mono, as it is a viral infection. Your healthcare provider will often suggest ways to help relieve symptoms and support your body in getting well again. Some of these may include:

Drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
Giving your body lots of rest.
You can also take over-the-counter medications for pain and fever.

Mono Testing and Diagnosis in Greater Boulder

Can I get tested for mono without symptoms? Typically, no; healthcare providers like AFC usually diagnose mono based on symptoms, but in some cases, it is necessary to have lab testing done. The CDC indicates that the bloodwork of patients with mono will usually show the following:

More white blood cells than normal.
Atypical-looking white blood cells.
Less than normal platelets.
Abnormal liver function

About American Family Care in Greater Boulder

Our urgent care clinic has on-site labs where you can get your results in hours, or days, depending on the test. Our testing works on a walk-in basis, so you don’t even have to book an appointment to get tested for mono. Here are a few of the on-site laboratory services we offer at our walk-in clinic:

STD testing
Blood testing
Flu diagnosis
Strep throat diagnosis
Arthritis diagnosis
Mononucleosis diagnosis
Thyroid disease diagnosis
Urinalysis drug testing
Microscopies full lab panels

American Family Care in Greater Boulder is a leading provider of affordable and convenient urgent care services. Our mission is to provide the best healthcare possible in a kind and caring environment while respecting the rights of all patients, in an economical manner, at times and locations convenient to the patient. Our clinic is designed, equipped, and staffed to provide accessible primary care, urgent care, minor emergency treatment, and occupational medicine. We are considered pioneers in non-emergency room urgent care, with most of our patients coming in, receiving care, and returning home in one hour on average. What sets us apart from other urgent care clinics are our on-site technology and health services, which include: