What is it?
Mononucleosis (mono) is an infectious disease caused most often by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Mono is usually a mild illness that goes away without treatment after several weeks. Many people who get mono do not even know they have it.
What are the symptoms?
Fever, which may range from 101°F (38.33°C) up to 104°F (40°C), and chills.
- Sore throat, often with swollen tonsils and white patches on the tonsils (which may resemble Strep throat).
- Swollen lymph nodes all over the body, especially the lymph nodes located in the neck.
- Headache or body aches.
- A lack of energy and fatigue.
- Loss of appetite.
- Pain in the upper left part of the abdomen, which may indicate that the spleen has become enlarged.
- A rash can occur and is frequent in those who have been prescribed the antibiotics ampicillin or amoxicillin.
- Mono may cause a person’s spleen to swell to 2 or 3 times its normal size; an enlarged spleen occurs in up to 50% of those with mono. A blow to the abdomen could cause the spleen to break open (rupture).
What to expect?
You can try the following things:
- Salt water gargling is advisable as it relieves soreness of throat.
- Have plenty of fluids every day.
- Painkillers such as Tylenol might help in relieving pain and fever.
- Bed rest.
Seek consult with your GP if:
- Symptoms are worsening.
- Have difficulty of breathing.
- Severe dehydration.