what is a typical course of mono

by Clair Zemlak 9 min read

Mono proceeds in three phases. First, a prodrome lasting 1-2 weeks with few if any symptoms. Second, an acute phase lasting 2 to 6 weeks during which the individual may be very sick with fevers, swollen glands, severe sore throat, and exhaustion.

What is mono (mononucleosis)?

Feb 14, 2019 · Mono or infectious mononucleosis has an incubation period of 4 to 6 weeks. Mono has three stages. Prodrome Stage. There are no much symptoms seen, if present just mild symptoms. This stage lasts for about 3 to 5 days. The symptoms seen during the prodrome stage are fatigue, malaise and mild headache. In this stage non-specific symptoms are present, it’s …

What are the stages of a mono infection?

Typical symptoms of infectious mononucleosis include— extreme fatigue; fever; sore throat; head and body aches; swollen lymph nodes in the neck and …

What are the symptoms of Mono?

Aug 25, 2020 · Infectious mononucleosis, "mono," "kissing disease," and glandular fever are all terms popularly used for the very common infection typically caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), but other viruses can also cause the disease. This article focuses specifically on the Epstein-Barr virus as a cause of mono since this is the characteristic virus associated with the …

What is the prodrome stage of Mono?

Sep 30, 2019 · People with mono often have a high fever, swollen lymph glands in the neck and armpits, and a sore throat. Most cases of mono are mild …

How long does mono last on average?

Most people get better in two to four weeks; however, some people may feel fatigued for several more weeks. Occasionally, the symptoms of infectious mononucleosis can last for six months or longer.

What are the stages of mono?

Mono has three stages: a prodrome, an acute stage, and a convelescent (recovery) stage. Because mono has a long incubation period, it can be difficult to determine when the illness actually began. On average, the prodrome phase lasts three to five days, while the acute phase can last up to six weeks.Nov 16, 2021

What is the clinical course of mononucleosis?

Fever, sore throat, fatigue, and tender lymph nodes are classic findings on history-taking in infected individuals with mononucleosis. The incubation period for mononucleosis is long averaging 3-6 weeks and most patients do not recall the exposure. The classical triad is fever, pharyngitis, and lymphadenopathy.

When should I be concerned about mono?

Get medical care right away if you have severe belly pain or blurry vision, if you feel lightheaded or confused, or if you pass out. You could have a ruptured spleen. Talk to your doctor if: You have mono symptoms for longer than 10 days or you have a severe sore throat for more than a day or two.

What happens if mono is left untreated?

Mono is sometimes called “the kissing disease” because it spreads easily through bodily fluids like saliva. For most people, mono isn't serious, and it improves without treatment. Still, extreme fatigue, body aches and other symptoms can interfere with school, work and daily life.Aug 3, 2020

What organs are affected by mono?

Enlarged spleen The spleen is a small organ usually about the size of your fist. But a number of conditions, including liver disease and some cancers, can cause your spleen to become enlarged. Mononucleosis may cause enlargement of the spleen.Dec 22, 2020

What are the atypical lymphocytes in infectious mononucleosis?

These atypical lymphocytes (ie, Downey cells) actually are CD8 cytotoxic T cells. B-cell infection caused by EBV leads to the transformation of the B cells to immortal plasmacytoid cells, which secrete a wide variety of immunoglobulins (eg, heterophile antibodies).

Can a 55 year old get mono?

Adults never exposed to mono as children can suffer a much more severe case of it, with fever and fatigue that can last for several weeks to months. It usually occurs before the age of 25, but older adults also can get and transmit it. About 9 in 10 people have been infected by age 50.Mar 22, 2003

When is mono most contagious?

People are definitely contagious while they have symptoms, which can last 2–4 weeks or even longer. Health experts aren't sure how long people with mono stay contagious after symptoms are gone, but it seems they can spread the infection for months after that.

Can you get mono from stress?

Can mono come back with stress? Chronic stress can weaken your immune system, so it's possible that this could be one trigger leading to a bout of recurrent mono.

What does mono feel like in adults?

You might feel more tired than usual and have a mild fever and sore throat. Your lymph nodes, tissue that normally acts as filters, may swell under your arms and in your neck and groin area. You also may have body aches and pains, swollen tonsils, headache, and even a skin rash.Mar 11, 2021

What does a mono headache feel like?

The headache tends to be a chronic headache, persistent most every day, and typically it could be characterized as a type of chronic tension-type headache, the pain being an aching type and not associated with other symptoms which would be typical of headaches like migraine such as nausea and vomiting.Oct 25, 2007

How long does it take for mononucleosis to show?

Typical symptoms of infectious mononucleosis usually appear four to six weeks after you get infected with EBV. Symptoms may develop slowly and may not all occur at the same time.

What is the most common cause of mononucleosis?

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is the most common cause of infectious mononucleosis, but other viruses can also cause this disease. It is common among teenagers and young adults, especially college students. At least one out of four teenagers and young adults who get infected with EBV will develop infectious mononucleosis.

How does EBV spread?

Typically, these viruses spread most commonly through bodily fluids, especially saliva . However, these viruses can also spread through blood and semen during sexual contact, blood transfusions, and organ transplantations.

Can you take penicillin for mononucleosis?

If you have infectious mononucleosis, you should not take penicillin antibiotics like ampicillin or amoxicillin. Based on the severity of the symptoms, a healthcare provider may recommend treatment of specific organ systems affected by infectious mononucleosis.

Can you test for mononucleosis?

Laboratory tests are not usually needed to diagnose infectious mononucleosis. However, specific laboratory tests may be needed to identify the cause of illness in people who do not have a typical case of infectious mononucleosis. The blood work of patients who have infectious mononucleosis due to EBV infection may show—.

Is Epstein-Barr a contagious disease?

About Infectious Mononucleosis. Infectious mononucleosis, also called “mono,” is a contagious disease. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is the most common cause of infectious mononucleosis, but other viruses can also cause this disease. It is common among teenagers and young adults, especially college students.

How common is mono?

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) that causes mono is extremely common. Around 90% of Americans are infected with it by age 35. Not everyone who has the virus develops mono symptoms — some people only carry the virus.

How long does mono last?

Symptoms of mono vary, and they can be mild or severe. They tend to come on gradually. If you get sick with mono, it will probably happen four to six weeks after you come in contact with EBV. These symptoms may last for four weeks or longer: Enlarged spleen or liver. Extreme fatigue.

What is the contagious disease of the body?

Mononucleosis. Mononucleosis (mono) is a contagious infection caused by a herpes virus called Epstein-Barr. Other viruses can also cause mono. The infection is common among teenagers and young adults. People with mono experience extreme fatigue, fever and body aches. Treatments can ease symptoms until the illness goes away on its own.

What is the kissing disease?

Mononucleosis is an illness that commonly affects teenagers and young adults, but can affect children as well. Viruses, most commonly Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), and certain infections cause the illness. Mono is sometimes called “the kissing disease” because it spreads easily through bodily fluids like saliva. For most people, mono isn’t serious, and ...

Why is mono called the kissing disease?

Mono is sometimes called “the kissing disease” because it spreads easily through bodily fluids like saliva. For most people, mono isn’t serious, and it improves without treatment. Still, extreme fatigue, body aches and other symptoms can interfere with school, work and daily life.

What is the best medicine for enlarged spleen?

These drugs include ibuprofen (Advil®) and naproxen (Aleve®). Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) also works. Sore throat soothers: You can gargle with salt water and use throat lozenges. Avoiding sports: Physical activity can put too much pressure on an enlarged spleen, increasing the risk of rupture.

When do people get EBV?

There are often two peaks when people acquire EBV: early school age children and again around adolescence/young adulthood. Young children are often asymptomatic, whereas teenagers and people in their 20s are most likely to get mono.

How to treat mono?

Treatment Of Mono. Have plenty of rest, especially within the first two weeks after initiation of mono have bed rest. Rest is needed during mono in order to prevent the occurrence of some complications. Advertisement. Hydrate yourself.

How long does mono last?

Convalescent Stage. This is the last stage of mono; it usually lasts for about 2-6 months. It’s actually like a recovery stage most of the acute symptoms such as fever, sore throat, lymphadenopathy are resolved but fatiguability, lack of energy can be present along with less physical strength.

What are the symptoms of a prodrome?

The symptoms seen during the prodrome stage are fatigue, malaise and mild headache. In this stage non-specific symptoms are present, it’s hard to arrive at a diagnosis accurately with symptoms as these symptoms are present in most of the viral infections. Acute Stage.

How long after mono can you exercise?

Avoid doing exercises, contact sports, weight lifting at least 4-6 weeks after being diagnosed with mono. The spleen is enlarged and swollen and is at an increased risk of getting ruptured when you have mono. So, doing the above-mentioned activities increase the risk more, therefore, avoid these activities.

How long does mononucleosis last?

It has three stages. Prodrome stage, Acute stage, and Convalescent stage. Prodrome stage lasts for about 3 to 5 days. The symptoms seen during the prodrome stage are fatigue, malaise and mild headache. In this stage non-specific symptoms are present.

How long does it take for a sore throat to resolve?

This fatiguability might resolve in few weeks or take months to resolve completely.

Can you give aspirin to a child?

Do not give aspirin to children less than 12 years because it can cause a serious adverse effect which is known as Reye syndrome. Sore throat and throat pain are awful. To relieve the throat pain, you can have some throat lozenges. Warm salt water helps the sore throat.

What are the symptoms of infectious mononucleosis?

Infectious Mononucleosis (“Mono”) Typical symptoms of infectious mononucleosis include—. extreme fatigue. fever. sore throat. head and body aches. swollen lymph nodes in the neck and armpits. swollen liver or spleen or both. rash.

What is the most common virus in the world?

Epstein-Barr virus, or EBV, is one of the most common human viruses in the world. It spreads primarily through saliva. EBV can cause infectious mononucleosis, also called mono, and other illnesses. Most people will get infected with EBV in their lifetime and will not have any symptoms. Mono caused by EBV is most common among teens and adults.

What are the symptoms of mono?

The symptoms (clinical manifestations) of mono include. fever, fatigue, sore throat, and. swollen lymph nodes (known as lymphadenopathy ). The diagnosis of mono is confirmed by blood tests. Mono can cause liver inflammation ( hepatitis) and enlargement of the spleen.

How to tell if you have mono?

What are the signs of mono? 1 a very reddened throat and tonsils ( tonsillitis) and 2 swollen lymph nodes in the neck that typically occur on both sides.

What is the most common cause of mono?

An Epstein-Barr virus is the most common cause of infectious mono although there are other illnesses that produce similar symptoms. Infectious mononucleosis (mono) is a contagious illness typically caused by the Epstein-Barr virus ( EBV ). This infectious disease can be spread by saliva, and the incubation period for mono is four to eight weeks.

How is mononucleosis spread?

Mono is spread by person-to-person contact. Saliva is the primary method of transmitting mono, which leads to the infection of B lymphocytes in the mouth and throat. Infectious mononucleosis developed its common name of "kissing disease" from this prevalent form of transmission among teenagers.

When was mononucleosis first described?

The disease was first described in 1889 and was referred to as "Drüsenfieber," or glandular fever. The term infectious mononucleosis was first used in 1920 when an increased number of lymphocytes were found in the blood of a group of college students who had fever and symptoms of the condition.

What is the term for a sore throat?

Specifically, infectious mononucleosis ("mono") and infection with Streptococcus bacteria ("strep throat") are two conditions that both produce an extremely painful sore throat. Learn more about mono symptoms and treatment ». Picture of Infectious Mononucleosis. +.

What is the name of the virus that causes mononucleosis?

Infectious mononucleosis, "mono," "kissing disease," and glandular fever are all terms popularly used for the very common infection typically caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), but other viruses can also cause the disease. This article focuses specifically on the Epstein-Barr virus as a cause of mono since this is the characteristic virus ...

How to tell if you have mono?

Your doctor will take your temperature and check the glands in your neck, armpits, and groin. They might also check the upper left part of your stomach to determine if your spleen is enlarged.

How long does mono last?

It lasts for 4 to 6 weeks. The signs and symptoms of mono typically last for 1 to 2 months. The incubation period may be shorter in young children.

What happens if you have mono?

According to the Mayo Clinic, mono can also cause some of these extremely rare complications: 1 anemia, which is a decrease in your red blood cell count 2 thrombocytopenia, which is a decrease in platelets, the part of your blood that begins the clotting process 3 inflammation of the heart 4 complications that involve the nervous system, such as meningitis or Guillain-Barré syndrome 5 swollen tonsils that can obstruct breathing

What is mononucleosis?

Mono, or infectious mononucleosis, refers to a group of symptoms usually caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). It typically occurs in teenagers, but you can get it at any age. The virus is spread through saliva, which is why some people refer to it as “the kissing disease.”. Many people develop EBV infections as children after age 1.

How long does it take for a swollen tonsil to go away?

The infection is typically not serious and usually goes away on its own in 1 to 2 months. Other symptoms may include: a headache. fatigue. muscle weakness. a rash consisting of flat pink or purple spots on your skin or in your mouth. swollen tonsils. night sweats.

What is the Epstein-Barr virus?

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a member of the herpes virus family. According to the CDC#N#Trusted Source#N#, it’s one of the most common viruses to infect humans around the world.

Can mono infection cause high white blood cells?

A mono infection typically causes your body to produce more white blood cells as it tries to defend itself. A high white blood cell count can’t confirm an infection with EBV, but the result suggests that it’s a strong possibility.

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Symptoms

A disease usually caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). This causes extreme fatigue, fever and sore throat.
Condition Highlight
Urgent medical attention is usually recommended by healthcare providers
How common is condition?
Very common (More than 3 million cases per year in US)
Is condition treatable?
Treatable by a medical professional
Does diagnosis require lab test or imaging?
Often requires lab test or imaging
Time taken for recovery
Can last several months
How is condition transmitted?
Transmitted through saliva
Condition Image

Transmission

Prevention & Treatment

Diagnosing Infectious Mononucleosis