Yes, they are. “Mono” is just the abbreviated, more often-used term for infectious mononucleosis, a set of symptoms typically caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).

Mono can affect anyone at any age, but it typically targets young adults and teenagers. Learn more about it from our AFC Urgent Care Powdersville team below!

What Is Mono?

While mono is most often caused by EBV, it can be caused by a variety of other viruses. Since it is typically transferred through direct contact with bodily fluids like saliva, mono has been deemed “the kissing disease.”

Mono isn’t a serious illness for most people, and it usually goes away without treatment. Even so, acute fatigue, body aches and other symptoms can make common aspects of daily life difficult for up to a month, which is how long mono usually sticks around. We’ve listed the most common symptoms of mono below.

Common Mono Symptoms

• Fatigue
• Sore throat, perhaps misdiagnosed as strep throat, that doesn’t get better after treatment with antibiotics
• Fever
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck and armpits
• Swollen tonsils
• Headache
• Skin rash

How Serious Is Mono?

Mono isn’t typically a cause for serious concern. In most cases, symptoms will clear up in around four weeks, but the feeling of extreme fatigue can linger for longer. The biggest concern with mono, though, is that it can cause an enlarged spleen that ruptures.

It’s extremely rare, but if the spleen bursts, it can leak into the abdomen, which can cause internal bleeding that is life-threatening and requires emergency surgery. If you are concerned about the symptoms that you’re experiencing, we’ve listed when you should consider calling a doctor below.

When to Call a Doctor

• 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

Our AFC Urgent Care Powdersville team is here for you seven days a week! Don’t hesitate to visit us today if you need non-emergency medical care.