Mononucleosis, commonly referred to as “mono,” is an infectious illness caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a member of the herpesvirus family. Mono is contagious and can be transmitted from person to person. In fact, mono is often called the “kissing disease” because it can be spread through the exchange of saliva, although it can also be transmitted through other means, such as sharing drinks, utensils, or personal items.
Mono Symptoms
Mono is most commonly seen in adolescents and young adults, but it can affect individuals of all ages. The symptoms of mononucleosis can vary widely in severity and may include:
- Fatigue: Profound and persistent fatigue is a hallmark symptom of mono. It can be severe and last for several weeks.
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Swollen lymph nodes: The lymph nodes, particularly those in the neck and armpits, may become enlarged and tender.
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Rash: Some individuals may develop a rash, especially if they are given certain antibiotics while infected with EBV. A mono rash is not always present and may vary in appearance. It can manifest as a red or pink rash that resembles measles or may appear as a flat, red rash on the skin. The rash is often non-itchy and can occur in various parts of the body, including the trunk, limbs, and sometimes the face.
- Enlarged spleen and liver
- Loss of appetite
- Weakness
Mono symptoms typically develop 4 to 6 weeks after exposure to the virus and can last for several weeks or even months. Treatment for mono primarily involves managing symptoms, such as rest, staying hydrated, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers for fever and discomfort. Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections like mono.
How Long Does Mono Last? How Long is Mono Contagious?
The duration of mono can vary from person to person, but the typical timeline for recovery is a few weeks to a couple of months. Most people start to feel better within a few weeks, but it’s not uncommon for symptoms to persist for several weeks or even a few months in some cases. The overall recovery time depends on factors such as the individual’s age, overall health, immune response, and how well they take care of themselves during the illness.
The contagious period for mono usually extends from before symptoms appear until a few weeks after the symptoms have subsided. It’s important to note that people who have been infected with EBV can continue to carry the virus in their saliva even after their symptoms have improved.
Here’s a general breakdown of the stages and timeline of mono:
- Incubation period: Usually around four to six weeks, which is the time between exposure to the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and the onset of symptoms.
- Acute phase: This is when symptoms are at their most severe. This phase can last for a few weeks.
- Recovery phase: After the acute phase, most people gradually start to feel better. Fatigue and weakness may persist for several weeks, but other symptoms usually begin to improve.
- Complete recovery: Within a few weeks to a couple of months, most individuals will experience a significant improvement in their symptoms and start to return to their normal daily activities. However, some residual fatigue and weakness may persist for a while longer.
It’s important to note that while most people recover fully from mono, there can be variations in the recovery timeline. Some individuals may experience a quicker recovery, while others may have a more prolonged course of illness. Additionally, some symptoms, such as fatigue, may linger for several weeks after other symptoms have resolved.
How is Mono Spread?
Mono is primarily spread through direct contact with infected saliva. The main mode of transmission is through close personal contact with an infected individual. Here are some ways in which mono can be spread:
- Saliva
- Coughing and sneezing
- Contact with objects
- Blood transfusions, although this is rare
It’s important to note that mono is most contagious during the acute phase of the illness when symptoms are most severe. However, the virus can continue to be present in the saliva for weeks or even months after symptoms have improved, which is why it’s important to practice good hygiene and avoid close contact with others, especially during this time.
Mono Symptoms in Kids
In children, mono can present the aforementioned symptoms. However, it’s worth noting that mono symptoms can vary widely from person to person, and some individuals, including children, may have only mild or no symptoms at all.
It’s important to keep in mind that mono symptoms in children might be milder compared to those in adolescents and adults. Additionally, some symptoms might overlap with other common childhood illnesses, like the flu or strep throat.
Mono vs. Strep Throat
Mono and strep throat are two different illnesses with some overlapping symptoms. They are caused by different pathogens and have distinct characteristics. Here’s a comparison of mono and strep throat:
- Cause: Mono is primarily caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a member of the herpesvirus family. Strep throat is caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria.
- Age: Mono and strep can affect individuals of all ages. However, they are both more common in adolescents and young adults.
- Symptoms: Common symptoms of both include fever and sore throat. Fatigue is often a prominent symptom of mono, while fatigue is not usually a prominent symptom of strep throat.
- Duration: Mono symptoms can last for several weeks, and fatigue can persist even longer. With appropriate antibiotic treatment, symptoms of strep throat often improve within a few days.
- Transmission: Mono is usually spread through direct contact with infected saliva. Strep throat is spread through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing, or by touching surfaces contaminated with the bacteria.
- Diagnosis: A blood test can help confirm the presence of EBV antibodies, indicating a current or past infection of mono. A throat swab is used to test for the presence of Streptococcus bacteria. Rapid strep tests can provide quick results, and a culture may be done for confirmation.
- Treatment: Since mono is a viral infection, there isn’t a specific medication for it. Rest, hydration, and over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage symptoms. Strep throat is caused by a bacterial infection and is usually treated with antibiotics to prevent potential complications, like rheumatic fever.
It’s important to differentiate between mono and strep throat because they require different approaches to management and treatment. If you or someone else is experiencing symptoms that suggest mono or strep throat, seeking medical attention is advisable for accurate diagnosis and appropriate care. Advanced Urgent Care in Colorado offers curbside testing for illnesses like strep throat. Click here to learn which tests are available and to schedule.
Should You Avoid Contact Sports If You Have Mono?
Yes, it’s generally recommended to avoid contact sports and strenuous physical activity if you have infectious mononucleosis. Engaging in contact sports or intense physical activity while you have mono can potentially pose several risks and complications:
- Enlarged spleen
- Fatigue and weakness
- Weakened immune system
- Risk of spreading the virus
To ensure a safe and smooth recovery from mono, it’s best to follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations and avoid contact sports and strenuous physical activity until you have fully recovered.
Stop by Advanced Urgent Care for Mono
If you suspect you have mono, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional, like a provider at Advanced Urgent Care, for proper diagnosis and guidance on managing the illness.
You can get an urgent care mono test at Advanced Urgent Care, as well as testing for strep or any other tests your provider deems necessary after your assessment.
Advanced Urgent Care has locations across Colorado’s Denver metro area with evening and weekend availability. Walk-in today or reserve your spot online. Click here for a list of our locations.