Mono is a severe illness that can cause debilitating symptoms for weeks on end. Understanding the early symptoms can help you seek medical care early, allowing you to manage your symptoms before they become more severe. Visit AFC Urgent Care for same-day illness diagnosis and treatment with no appointment needed.
What is Mono?
Mono is a contagious viral infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. It is primarily spread from person to person through saliva. Because of this, it is not as contagious as some other viral infections which can be spread through contact with an infected individual. Mono is known for causing severe illness symptoms for multiple weeks.
Often nicknamed ‘the kissing disease’ because it is spread through saliva, mono can be contracted from sharing drinks and food with an infected person. Due to the nature of how it is spread, it often affects young adults in their twenties, but anyone can contract mono. It is important to understand the early symptoms of mono to ensure that you don’t spread it to others and to manage your symptoms appropriately.
Common Symptoms of Mono
Mono symptoms can be long-lasting and severe. Because of this, identifying the early symptoms of mono can help you prepare to manage the symptoms and take steps to ensure that you don’t spread the infection to others.
Mono symptoms include:
- Extreme tiredness and fatigue
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Body aches
- Chills
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Rash
Typically, mono symptoms last between two and four weeks. However, some symptoms can linger for months. Symptoms tend to appear two to four weeks after you are infected with the Epstein-Barr virus, meaning that you can be spreading the virus unknowingly for weeks before you experience any symptoms.
Can You Get Mono Twice?
Unlike many viral infections, it is extremely unlikely that you will get mono more than once. This is partly due to the method of how mono spreads. However, it is also because mono is only caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. After you are infected with mono, your body will store an inactive version of the Epstein-Barr virus so that can better protect your body from the infection in the future.
Although mono is only caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, there is a secondary strain that you can be infected with. This secondary strain is less severe than normal cases of mono, and often if you are unlucky enough to be infected twice with mono it will be the secondary strain that infects you.
Treatment Options for Mono
Mono is a viral infection, which unfortunately means that it does not respond to antibiotic treatments. Your body has to fight off the infection on its own over time. This process usually takes a few weeks, which is why symptoms typically last two to four weeks. The easiest way to treat mono is to avoid getting it in the first place. Don’t share drinks or food with others, because they could be carrying the virus but not have symptoms yet.
At-home treatment options for mono are very similar to treatment for other viral infections such as a cold or the flu. Ensuring that you are getting plenty of rest and staying hydrated so that your body can heal is critical. Over-the-counter medications and pain relievers can help manage symptoms. Always ensure you follow the dosage instructions for medications.
Get Walk-In Illness Treatment by Visiting AFC Urgent Care Thornton
Mono symptoms can be severe and long-lasting. Early detection can help you prepare your body to fight off the infection, however, there is little medical intervention available to help get rid of mono. However, it is still important to understand if you have mono so that you can ensure that you don’t spread it to others. AFC Urgent Care Thornton offers same-day illness diagnosis without the need for an appointment. Simply walk into our clinic, or reserve your spot online.
If you’re looking for rapid illness diagnosis that is affordable and convenient, look no further than AFC Urgent Care Thornton. Our walk-in clinic is open seven days a week and we never require you to have an appointment to receive comprehensive healthcare. We accept most medical insurance plans and offer affordable care options. Walk into our clinic today. For additional questions regarding our clinic, please contact us directly by calling (720) 751-2910.
