If you're feeling run down with a sore throat, swollen glands, and a fever, you might wonder: Do I have mono or strep? Both illnesses can make you feel miserable and share similar symptoms, but they have different causes, treatments, and recovery times. It is essential to understand the key differences, such as how each one starts, how contagious they are, and what your throat looks like. These can help you decide whether to rest, seek medical advice, or get tested.
For same-day illness testing and treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Livingston. Our urgent care center is open 7 days a week and never requires appointments. Just walk-in or plan your visit in advance by saving your spot below!
Mono vs. Strep Symptom Comparison
Mono and strep throat share several symptoms, such as a sore throat, fever, and swollen lymph nodes, but key differences exist. Strep throat usually comes on suddenly with a very sore throat, high fever, red and swollen tonsils (often with white patches), and little to no fatigue. It's caused by a bacterial infection and is treated with antibiotics. In contrast, mono, caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, develops more gradually and often includes extreme fatigue, swollen glands, and sometimes an enlarged spleen or liver. While both can make you feel unwell, mono tends to last longer and causes more overall body exhaustion.
What Causes Each Condition?
A bacterial infection causes strep throat, specifically Group A Streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes). It spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. In contrast, mono (infectious mononucleosis) is caused by a virus, most commonly the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), part of the herpesvirus family. Mono is often spread through saliva, earning it the nickname "the kissing disease," but it can also be transmitted through sharing drinks, utensils, or exposure to infected bodily fluids.
Signs Healthcare Providers Look For
When you visit a healthcare provider with symptoms like sore throat and fever, they look for specific signs to distinguish between mono and strep throat. For strep, they check for bright red, swollen tonsils, often covered with white patches or streaks of pus, and tender, swollen lymph nodes in the neck. They also note that if there's a sudden high fever without cough or runny nose, they are less common in strep.
For mono, providers look for swollen lymph nodes in the neck and sometimes in the armpits, extreme fatigue, and an enlarged spleen or liver, which can be felt during a physical exam. They may also notice a more gradual onset of symptoms. Doctors often perform rapid strep tests or throat cultures for strep and blood tests for mono to confirm the diagnosis.
Get Walk-In Illness Testing & Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Livingston
If you're unsure whether your symptoms are caused by mono or strep throat, it's essential to seek medical attention. This is particularly important if you experience a very high fever, difficulty swallowing, severe throat pain, or extreme fatigue that won't improve. Visiting urgent care can provide a quick diagnosis through tests and help you get the proper treatment promptly. Early care can prevent complications, ease your symptoms faster, and ensure you recover safely. If you have been experiencing lingering symptoms, come visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Livingston for same-day treatment.
We accept most health insurance plans and offer low-cost options for self-paying patients. If you have any additional questions about mono or strep treatment, or other services we provide, please contact our medical team directly at (973) 601-2626.
