Mononucleosis, commonly known as mono or the kissing disease, is a viral illness caused mainly by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). It is typically transmitted through saliva. That’s the reason kissing is its common mode of transmission. However, this virus can also be spread when someone shares personal items of the affected person.
Even though anyone can contract the illness, mono affects adolescents and young adults most of the time. Symptoms may last for several weeks. Also, recovery can take longer in some cases, if it’s not properly managed.
Therefore, we provide prompt evaluation at NovaMed Urgent Care in Illinois. You can also receive accurate mononucleosis blood tests and comprehensive care for effective recovery.
Symptoms of Mononucleosis
Mononucleosis can show a great range of symptoms. In fact, these can overlap with other illnesses most of the time, such as strep throat or influenza.
Searching for comparisons such as mono throat vs strep throat? It’s important to note that fatigue and spleen enlargement are more indicative of mono. Whereas strep is usually associated with a sudden sore throat and absence of fatigue.
You must be aware of its most common symptoms, including:
- Persistent fatigue
- Sore throat
- Swollen glands in the neck, armpits, or groin
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Swollen spleen
- Rash
- Fever
- White patches in the throat or on the tonsils
Diagnostic Tests by NovaMed Urgent Care
NovaMed Urgent Care provides diagnostic tests for mono if you are experiencing such symptoms. In fact, our medical team starts by performing a physical exam and taking your medical history. After that, we offer the following diagnostic tests:
- Monospot Test: It’s a rapid blood test that helps us detect antibodies to the Epstein-Barr virus.
- Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) Antibody Test: It’s a more detailed blood test that helps us confirm infection and its stage.
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): This blood test is used to identify elevated white blood cells, which are typical in mono.
- Liver Function Tests: Mono can cause liver inflammation, so we may recommend a liver function test to check for this.
Our mono testing results are available the same day in many cases, if you’re curious about test speed. However, labs may take 24–48 hours for more detailed mononucleosis blood test results.
Treatment of Mononucleosis
Mononucleosis disease has no specific cure. Therefore, our treatment is mainly to relieve your symptoms and support your immune system. Some patients inquire about Epstein-Barr natural treatment options. We recommend consulting a healthcare provider before using any alternative remedies.
At NovaMed Urgent Care, we guide you on safe supplemental care alongside medical treatment. Furthermore, our providers develop a suitable mono treatment plan for every patient. Every plan is according to the patient’s symptoms and overall health. Treatment options may include:
- Rest: This is the most important part of treatment for mono. Your body needs time to recover. Therefore, you must get a lot of rest & avoid strenuous activities.
- Pain relievers: Acetaminophen or ibuprofen are over-the-counter pain relievers. These can relieve your pain while reducing fever.
- Steroids: We prescribe steroids in some cases to decrease inflammation and swelling in your body.
- Antiviral medications: We suggest these medicines to reduce the severity and duration of mono. However, they’re not always necessary.
Complications of Mononucleosis
Most individuals recover without issue most of the time. However, mononucleosis can sometimes result in serious complications whenever it’s not managed the right way. Therefore, it’s important to do early diagnosis and give appropriate care as it can avoid many health risks:
Enlarged or Ruptured Spleen
An enlarged spleen is among the most serious complications of mononucleosis. And it’s mostly because it may rupture in rare cases. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate care.. We advise our patients time and again to avoid taxing activities during recovery. This decreases to decrease the mentioned risk.
Hepatitis or Liver Inflammation
Mono can cause mild liver inflammation (hepatitis). This may result in an excess of liver enzymes. Nevertheless, it occurs more commonly in older adolescents and adults. Also, it generally resolves on its own when you do proper rest.
Jaundice
Liver involvement can sometimes result in jaundice. It’s a mild condition that causes yellowing of your skin or eyes. However, we still advise you to get a proper checkup from our healthcare providers.
Secondary Bacterial Infections
Secondary infections can occur more commonly in individuals recovering from mono. It’s specifically true for mono strep throat. These infections can complicate recovery. And, you may require an antibiotic treatment for this, too.
Severe Throat Swelling
Some patients develop significant throat and tonsil swelling. Your airway is liable to obstruction if this happens. Consequently, you might find it difficult to even breathe. We generally prescribe corticosteroids in such cases to reduce inflammation.
Neurological Complications
Neurological issues are usually a rare complication of mono. However, it’s still a possible occurrence. You can have serious complications such as meningitis, encephalitis, or Guillain-Barré syndrome. And these require immediate medical intervention, undoubtedly.
Mononucleosis in Pregnancy
Epstein-Barr virus is not specifically dangerous for the fetus. Nevertheless, mononucleosis can still be concerning during pregnancy because it can cause immune stress. Therefore, our healthcare providers monitor pregnant women more closely in case they show signs of mono. This helps us to be certain that both the mother and baby are safe.
Visit NovaMed Urgent Care Today for Treating Mononucleosis
Our medical professionals understand that mononucleosis can be quite overwhelming and uncomfortable occurrence for you. However, you can recover quickly if you get the appropriate treatment. Therefore, don’t delay your care if you’re also experiencing mononucleosis symptoms.
Visit NovaMed Urgent Care near chicago for your diagnostic & treatment services. Walk in today or schedule an appointment online. Our medical team is here to help you every step of the way.
