Mono or infectious mononucleosis is an infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). It is often transferred through kissing, where an infected person exchanges bodily fluids with a non-infected person.

This kissing disease is non-threatening and has a very low mortality rate. It is known to go away itself without much medical intervention, and regular medications can help drive symptoms away. However, a large percentage of affected individuals are not aware of the mono infections.

If you find yourself suffering from any symptoms of mono, visit AFC Urgent Care Waltham. Our providers can get a sample and receive a diagnosis within 15 minutes in our on-site lab. We will make recommendations on your treatment to feel better as soon as possible. Visit our walk–in center today.

Stages of Mono

1.    The prodrome stage

Mono infection occurs in three stages. The first stage is the prodrome stage which can last for 5 to 14 days. It is the stage after microorganism incubation and integration with the human body.

Here, the virus can be spread during this stage as the EBV continues to replicate sporadically in the body. Symptoms are barely noticed as the individual still feels normal; however, certain symptoms still show.

Symptoms

• Headache: Headaches in the prodrome stage are often blamed on stress and other strenuous activities. 
• Sore throat: Sore throat begins to develop as the incubation of the EBV virus progresses.
• Muscle ache: The body begins to break down slowly, causing inflamed joints and muscles to ache.

Causes 

The prodrome stage is caused by the constant replication of the EBV, causing the human body's autoimmune system to wear off slowly.

Treatment

Infections noticed at the prodrome stage are easier to treat as the viruses are yet to replicate to a number that can weigh the immune system down. Medications and autoimmune drugs can help boost the natural immune system that wards off viruses.

2.    The acute phase

The acute phase, which can last for 2 to 6 days, is when the symptoms begin to worsen. The individual feels tired, weak, and starts showing noticeable symptoms like:

Symptoms

• Swollen glands on the ground
• Swollen abdominal region (where the livers and spleen are located)
• High fever
• Jaundice
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Rash

The acute phase differs as certain individuals will have it mild to moderate while others would be so severe. 

Causes

The acute phase is the actual illness where the immune system is worn off. Infection is at maximum while auto-immune resistance is at minimal.

Treatment

Here, the virus has replicated to the maximum, and the needs of external medications to get rid of them are needed. A combination of medications like NSAIDs, hydration therapy, herbal medicines, and supplements will help recovery.

3.    The convalescent stage

The last stage is the convalescent or recovery stage, which can last from 2 to 6 months. Here, the individual begins to heal either through medications or natural immunity.

However, individuals in the convalescent stage are required to rest properly as there is a high risk of having a ruptured spleen during physical exercise.