Mononucleosis, commonly known as mono, is a viral infection most often caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). After exposure to the virus, symptoms don't appear immediately. Instead, there's an incubation period during which the virus silently multiplies in the body. Typically, symptoms begin to surface four to six weeks after initial exposure, though this timeframe can vary depending on the individual's immune response and overall health. Understanding this delay is crucial for early detection and preventing the spread of the virus to others.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of mono, it’s critical that you seek immediate medical care. Mono symptoms can be severe and cause complications. If you’re in need of convenient care for mono diagnosis and treatment, AFC Urgent Care Grand Junction is here to help. Our walk-in clinic offers same-day diagnostic testing services. We never require you to schedule an appointment; just walk into the clinic when convenient, or preregister online in advance below.
How Do You Get Mono?
Mono, or mononucleosis, is most commonly spread through saliva, which is why it's often nicknamed the "kissing disease." However, kissing isn't the only way to contract it. You can also get mono by sharing drinks, food utensils, toothbrushes, lip balm, or anything else that might transfer an infected person's saliva. Less commonly, it can spread through blood and other bodily fluids, organ transplants, or during childbirth. The virus behind mono, usually Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), is very contagious, even if the person carrying it doesn't show symptoms.
Common Symptoms of Mono
Mono is a unique illness because symptoms typically appear weeks after exposure. During this incubation period, you can still spread mono to others, even if you don’t know you have it. The symptoms of mono can vary in severity, but common signs include:
- Extreme fatigue
- Fever
- Sore throat (often mistaken for strep throat)
- Swollen lymph nodes (especially in the neck and armpits)
- Swollen tonsils
- Headache
- Skin rash
- Soft, swollen spleen or sometimes liver inflammation
- Muscle aches
- Loss of appetite
Symptoms usually develop gradually, lasting from a few weeks to several months. The symptoms are often more intense in teens and young adults, while young children may have milder or even no symptoms at all.
Treatment for Symptoms of Mono
There's no specific cure for mononucleosis since it's caused by a virus, but treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and supporting the body's recovery. It is important to get plenty of sleep to help your body fight off the infection. Drinking lots of fluids helps prevent dehydration and can help soothe a sore throat. Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce fever, sore throat, and body aches. Avoiding physical activity, especially contact sports, to prevent injury to the enlarged spleen, which is common with mono.
Walk Into AFC Grand Junction for Mono Treatment
While mononucleosis is often manageable at home, you should seek urgent care if you experience severe symptoms. Prompt evaluation can help rule out more serious complications and ensure you receive the proper support for a safe and steady recovery. At AFC Urgent Care Grand Junction, our walk-in clinic has a laboratory on-site for rapid diagnostic testing when it’s convenient for you.
Our clinic is open 7 days a week, and we never require patients to schedule an appointment in advance. Just walk in when it works with your schedule for rapid same-day care. We work with most medical insurance plans and offer affordable care for self-paying patients. Walk in today, or give us a call at (970) 609-2001 to learn more.
