Mononucelosis, often referred to as “mono” or “the kissing disease,” is a viral infection that spreads through saliva and close contact. It’s most commonly caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and it can lead to extreme fatigue, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes. But how long after exposure do symptoms actually begin? Understanding the timeline of mono symptoms can help you recognize the infection early and seek appropriate care.
For a same-day mono diagnosis and treatment plan, come visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Union City. Our team is available 7 days a week to treat your condition with no appointment necessary. If you’d like to plan your visit in advance, schedule an appointment below!
How Long After Exposure Does Mono Start?
Mono doesn’t cause symptoms immediately after exposure. The virus has a relatively long incubation period– meaning the time between being exposed and when symptoms appear.
- In teenagers and adults, symptoms typically appear 4 to 6 weeks after exposure to the Epstein-Barr virus.
- In young children, the incubation period may be shorter, around 10 days to 2 weeks, but symptoms are often mild or even unnoticed.
Because of the delayed onset, it’s not always easy to pinpoint when or how someone got infected.
What Are The Early Symptoms of Mono?
When mono symptoms do start, they can be gradual. Early signs often mimic those of the common cold or flu, making it difficult to recognize at first. Common early mono symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Mild fever
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck or armpits
These symptoms may appear mild at first but typically worsen over the next few days. As the illness progresses, more noticeable symptoms may develop, including severe sore throat, extreme fatigue, high fever, swollen tonsils, body aches, and enlarged spleen or liver. Fatigue is usually the most persistent symptom, sometimes lasting several weeks or even a couple of months after the infection has otherwise resolved.
When To Visit Urgent Care
Because mono symptoms overlap with many other illnesses, it’s important to visit urgent care for a proper diagnosis. A physical exam and medical history review may not be enough to confirm the infection, so your provider may recommend a rapid mono test or blood work to check for elevated white blood cell count. You should seek medical attention if you experience:
- A sore throat that lasts longer than a few days
- Swollen glands and fatigue that aren’t improving
- High fever or trouble swallowing
- Abdominal pain (which could indicate an enlarged spleen)
While there’s no cure for mono, a provider can help you manage symptoms, rule out other illnesses like strep throat, and give advice on how to recover safely.
Get Walk-In Mono Testing and Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Union City
Mono symptoms typically begin 4 to 6 weeks after exposure to the Epstein-Barr virus. Early signs may be mild, but full-on symptoms like fatigue, sore throat, and fever can last for weeks. If you’re feeling unwell and think you may have mono, don’t wait it out– come visit us at AFC Urgent Care Union City for evaluation and symptom relief. Our team of board-certified medical providers are experienced in diagnosing and treating a wide range of illnesses for patients of all ages. We accept most health insurance plans and offer low-cost options for self-paying patients. If you have any additional questions about mono, or the urgent care services we provide, please contact a member of our team directly at (551) 257-1948.
