Popularly called the kissing disease, infectious mononucleosis is an infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). It is a human herpesvirus 4 and one of the common viruses found in humans. Mono is popular amongst teenagers and young adults, especially high school and college students, and it has been statically reported that 25% of teenagers infected with the Epstein-Barr virus get mononucleosis.

AFC Urgent Care North Bergen provides mono testing and treatment for patients. Our providers will recommend the best medications for you to take to help treat your symptoms. If you have any questions on your diagnosis or on treating your symptoms, call AFC North Bergen today.

Symptoms of Mono

Most mono symptoms are like flu; hence, affected persons often mistake flu symptoms with mono. The symptoms last for two to four weeks, with an increase in severity as the weeks pass by. They can be mild to severe, causing certain individuals to miss work or school. Commonly reported mono symptoms to include:

• Muscle Pain
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Stomach ache (area of the stomach around the spleen)
• Rash (usually on the glandular layer of the tongue or the upper region of the mouth)
• Swollen glands
• Sore throat
• Swollen liver and/or spleen
• Swollen lymph nodes (often located around the groin)

Causes and diagnosis

Although the major cause of mono is through kissing, where an infected person with the Epstein-Barr Virus exchanges saliva with a non-infected person. However, mono can be transferred through other ways like sharing drinks, utensils, blood, or any bodily exchange of fluid with another infected person.

Before an individual is diagnosed with mono, several tests and other medical activities will be carried out to verify the Epstein-Barr Virus. Your medical practitioner will examine the lymph nodes in your neck for signs of swelling. The abdominal region of the spleen and liver will also be observed for signs of enlargement to determine the severity of the infection.

Blood tests will be taken to assess your body’s reaction in combating the already present Epstein-Barr Virus. This will include examining the type of antibodies being produced and the number of white blood cells.

Treating Mono

Unfortunately, there is no medication, vaccine, or other special treatment to totally cure mono as it is regarded as a non-life-threatening disease and often fades away. However, a combination of treatments can relieve symptoms and make you feel better. These treatments include:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers: These medications are used to relieve feverish conditions, headaches, and muscle aches. These popular NSAID medications include ibuprofen, paracetamol, etc.
• Rest: The body is at its weakest; hence, rest is advised to help the antibodies fight against the virus. Also, mono puts you at risk of having a ruptured spleen during strenuous exercise.
• Sore-throat relievers: Gargling a warm water-salt solution, using mint-based lozenges or other sore-throat relieving drugs are recommended to relieve a sore throat.