Do you have a teen or young adult child who has started to feel abnormally tired for a long period of time in addition to feeling feverish? If so, he or she may have mono, which is an infectious illness often caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).

This is a common illness among young adults and teens, and although symptoms can linger for a long time in some cases, it isn’t usually a cause for serious concern and often clears up on its own without treatment.

Our AFC Urgent Care Indian Trail team provides other helpful info about mono below, so read on!

What Is Mono?

Mono, or infectious mononucleosis, is a group of symptoms that is almost always caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. Mono is sometimes called the “kissing disease” because it is usually transferred through saliva.

Mono isn’t a life-threatening infection for most people, and it usually goes away on its own. However, common symptoms like excessive fatigue can make going about daily life tough for an extended period of time.

Common Mono Symptoms

• Extreme fatigue
• Fever
• Sore throat
• Head and body aches
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck and armpits
• Swollen liver or spleen or both
• Rash

Does Mono Require Treatment?

Not typically. Since mono is caused by a virus, the virus will need to run its course before it will clear up fully.

Furthermore, antibiotics are ineffective against viral illnesses like mono. The majority of treatment focuses on self-care, such as getting enough rest, eating a balanced diet and drinking lots of water. Fever or a sore throat can be treated with over-the-counter pain medications.

When to Seek Additional Medical Treatment

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Dizziness or fainting
• Extreme muscle weakness in arms or legs
• Intense body aches
• High fever that won’t go away
• Severe headaches
• Sharp pain in the upper left abdomen

Feeling rough? We can provide the non-emergency medical care you and your family need! Visit our AFC center today.