Did you know that 3 million Americans get diagnosed with mononucleosis every year? This condition causes fever, sore throat, fatigue, and enlarged lymph nodes in the neck. But the good news is that it’s not considered a severe illness. Doctors have different ways of diagnosing mononucleosis. Let’s take a closer look at what it is, how it’s different from strep throat, its symptoms, and the test you can do right at home!
What is Mononucleosis?
Mononucleosis is a contagious viral infection that typically affects teenagers and young adults. It is also called “mono” or “kissing disease.” The funny name comes from how it is spread, which is saliva.
Mono isn’t usually severe. You might feel sick for about a month but it can go away without treatment. So, how is it different from strep throat? Let’s take a look!
Strep Throat vs Mononucleosis
Both strep throat and mono can cause a sore throat, but there is a difference. A sore throat from strep throat typically leads to enlarged tonsils with red and white patches. Mono, on the other hand, makes people feel sleepy. It can also cause an enlarged or swollen spleen.
Here are the differences:
Strep Throat
- Throat: Patients have both a sore throat and patches on their tonsils.
- Other symptoms: A sore throat is usually accompanied by a high fever, headaches and sometimes a rash.
- Diagnosis: It is usually done through a rapid strep test or throat culture.
Mononucleosis
- Throat: Tonsils swell up and cause patients to have pain.
- Other symptoms: Other than a sore throat, patients have persistent fatigue and an enlarged spleen.
- Diagnosis: This is typically blood done through a blood test.
Symptoms of Mononucleosis
The symptoms develop gradually and can last for a few weeks. Let’s examine the common symptoms and also take a look at how it affect teens and kids.
Common Symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Swollen lymph nodes in your neck, armpits or groin
- Headaches
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle aches or weakness
- Rash
- Enlarged spleen or enlarged liver
Symptoms in Teens
Teens get the bad end of the stick when it comes to mono. It starts showing after 4-6 weeks and can last up to 4 months.
These symptoms include:
- Severe fatigue
- Headaches
- Fever
- Prolonged sore throat
- Swollen lymph nodes
Symptoms in Kids
Young children typically have milder symptoms.
This can include the following:
- Slight fever
- Tiredness
- Poor appetite
Kids are at risk when it comes to Mono, as it can make the spleen swell for a few weeks or longer. An enlarged spleen can rupture, causing pain and bleeding inside the belly and needing emergency surgery. So doctors recommend that kids who have mono avoid contact sports for at least a month after symptoms are gone. It’s important that you monitor them closely!
Mono Test at Home
This text is a simple at-home test that can detect mononucleosis.
Here is a breakdown of how it works:
- Prepare: Use a lancet, which is a finger stick, to collect a drop of your blood. The dropper included in the mono at-home test is for this purpose.
- Testing: Dispense the blood you took into the test.
- How it works: During or after an infection, something called antibodies appear. This test will detect these antibodies.
- Accuracy: The accuracy ranges from 71% to 90%. This number depends on when you test because testing too late or too early can make the test miss mono.
FAQ’s
What are “kissing tonsils”?
“Kissing tonsils” occur when the tonsils are so enlarged that they touch each other. This condition does not necessarily mean surgery is needed. In most cases, patients are monitored and observed. Talk to your healthcare provider about potential treatment options if you have concerns.
Can someone get mono twice?
Someone can get it twice, but the likelihood is very low. After getting mono, your body builds up immunity against the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which reduces your chances.
Is mono contagious?
Yes, it’s contagious. The virus that causes mono is spread through saliva. You can get it through kissing, but you can also be exposed by sharing a glass or food utensils with someone who has mono.
Can I get a rash?
Yes, you can get a rash. Mononucleosis is a disease caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. In addition to symptoms such as fever and body aches, individuals with this condition may experience a skin rash. Mononucleosis is particularly common among young adults and teenagers. But it can affect individuals of all ages.
Conclusion
Mononucleosis affects millions in the US. Some call it mono, whereas others call it the kissing disease because of how it’s transferred. Symptoms can vary as teenagers typically feel much worse than kids or adults. The common symptoms include things like fatigue, sore throat and headaches.
Now, there is a difference between strep throat and mononucleosis. Knowing how they are different is important so that it’s properly diagnosed and treated. If you or anyone you know are showing signs of mono, make sure that you consult with a healthcare professional to get the right treatment!
