Mononucleosis, or mono, is a common viral infection that affects teens and young adults more than any other age group. Small children can catch mono, but they rarely show any symptoms. The most common time for patients to show mono symptoms are in the high school and college years. Mononucleosis isn't life-threatening, but it can severely affect the patient's school or work schedule for weeks. The only way to diagnose mono is with the use of a blood test.
The Symptoms of Mononucleosis
After you encounter the mono virus, it can take a month or more before you start to show symptoms. Once they appear you might connect them with some other cause, but all of these symptoms together are a good sign you should get checked by a doctor. Among the most common symptoms are:
- Muscles aches
- Headache
- Excessive sleeping, up to 16 hours in a day
- Fever
After the first few days of symptoms, you may develop a sore throat or swollen tonsils, with or without a yellowish coating. You might also suffer from a loss of appetite, achy joints, nausea, or a red rash on the chest. If you're suffering from any combination of these symptoms, especially fever and tiredness, it's important for you to come to Twin Oaks Urgent Care in Friendswood, Texas to be tested for mono. The sooner you're diagnosed, the sooner we can advise you on how to treat your symptoms.
How Mononucleosis is Spread
Mono is caused by the Epstein Barr virus. It's passed in human saliva, so it's most often seen in groups of people who live or spend a lot of time together. It can be passed through coughs or sneezes, sharing forks, drinks, or foods. It's earned the nickname of "the kissing disease" because it's often passed through kissing when the patients are teenagers or young adults. If you've been diagnosed with mono, don't share forks, straws, toothbrushes, or food with anyone else, and keep tissues on hand to cover any coughs or sneezes that may happen. You won't be contagious the entire time you have the disease. Once your fever is gone, you can no longer pass mono to other people.
Treating Mononucleosis at Twin Oaks Urgent Care in Friendswood
As a viral disease, mononucleosis isn't affected by antibiotics. There is no specific drug to treat mono. Instead, our doctors advise treating the individual symptoms to make yourself comfortable until the disease runs its course.
The first and best advice is to get a lot of rest. You'll probably have to take time off from work or school, as you'll need to sleep an excess number of hours each day in addition to trying not to spread the disease. Take acetaminophen for sore throat, aches, and headaches. Avoid heavy lifting or playing sports until all your symptoms are gone. Mono can affect the spleen, infecting it and causing it to swell. A sharp blow to the spleen during this time can cause it to burst.
If you notice any of the possible symptoms of mono, especially tiredness and fever, call or visit Twin Oaks Urgent Care in Friendswood, TX at (832) 569-4390.