Mononucleosis

Mononucleosis, also called infectious mononucleosis, mono or the kissing disease, is a viral infection that spreads through saliva and is most common among teens and young adults. Most people recover from mono within a month, though symptoms can linger as long as six months.

Mono symptoms include:

• Extreme fatigue
• Fever
• Swollen lymph node glands, especially in the neck and armpits
• Body aches
• Chills
• Headache
• Rash
• Sore throat

Have you noticed signs of mono? Get a diagnosis at Urgent Care Goshen Physicians. Our providers can help you get back to normal and recover from mono. Come to our urgent care center or call (574) 535-1700.

How do you get mono?

Most cases of mono are caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, but other viruses can also cause mono. These viruses spread through contact with saliva, mucus and other body fluids.

You can catch mono by kissing someone who is infected, as well as sharing drinking glasses, eating utensils, beverages or food with someone who carries the virus. Mono can also be spread through coughing or sneezing.

Symptoms typically don't show up until 4 to 6 weeks after the infection, so you can spread the virus unknowingly. Though, once you have mono, it's unlikely you'll catch it again.

Mononucleosis recovery and prevention

When you come to Urgent Care Goshen Physicians, our caring providers diagnose mono, monitor your progress and check for signs of complications, such as a swollen liver or spleen.

Follow these tips as you recover from mono:

• Get plenty of rest.
• Drink a lot of fluids.
• Take medicine to relieve pain and reduce fever when needed.
• Avoid contact sports to avoid rupturing your spleen.

Taking steps to prevent mono is important because a mononucleosis infection caused by Epstein-Barr virus is a risk factor for autoimmune disorders and lymphoma.

You can prevent the spread of mono by:

• Not sharing drinking glasses, beverages, eating utensils or food
• Covering your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough
• Not kissing people while you have mono

Our team provides the care you need to get over your case of mono. We can also connect you to a primary care provider for consistent, personal health care.