Mononucleosis, or mono, can leave patients wiped out from anywhere between two weeks to a few months. The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is the main cause of infectious mononucleosis, but other infections, such as cytomegalovirus and toxoplasmosis, can also cause the disease. Although patients usually recover sufficiently within two to four weeks, it can take up to months for them to regain their usual energy levels. In this article, we share with you some symptoms of mononucleosis to watch out for.
What Causes Mono?
The primary cause of mono is Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) but it can also be caused by other infections such as toxoplasmosis. About 90% to 95% of the adult population are infected with EBV, however, only about 25% of that figure will come down with mono. Mono is more common in teenagers and younger adults. Younger children can get mono as well but their symptoms tend to be much milder, whereas teenagers and young adults may find themselves ridden with fatigue for a while.
Symptoms of Mono
As the symptoms of mono can be similar to that of the flu or strep throat, you may be unsure whether you do indeed have mono at first. Below are some symptoms to watch out for:
Fever
Swollen lymph nodes
Sore throat
Body rash
Aches and/or chills
Fatigue
Headaches
… and more
One main distinguishing factor between mono and flu or strep throat is that the patient tends to be completely drained of energy with the former. It will typically take them weeks or even months to regain their normal energy levels. With the flu or strep throat, recovery tends to be much quicker – so if you notice that your fever or sore throat still isn’t going away by day seven, it’s highly likely to be mono.
Getting Tested for Mono
If you are unsure whether what you have is mono or something else, one way you can confirm this is by taking a mono test. A blood sample will be required and you can opt to administer the test at home by yourself or at your healthcare provider. Keep in mind that with mono testing, a small chance of false negative results is possible. Hence, if you suspect something is wrong despite receiving a negative result, you should always seek out medical attention.
Turn to Linear DX for Mono Testing
When you suspect that you have mono, you can come to Linear DX for the mono test kits you need. It is easy to administer a test at home and you can find out the results within 10 minutes. At Linear DX, we offer quick and convenient shipping when you place an order with us, and there’s no minimum order required. You can expect to receive your order within 2 days nationwide and same-day local delivery is available within California. If you require mass testing services to be carried out in your workplace or school, we can assist with that as well. If you would like more information about our products or services, please contact us today.
