Even if you haven’t been affected by mono before, you’ve likely heard of it. It’s a common viral infection that most often affects college-aged adults and teenagers.

This contagious illness can be easily spread, but since it’s a virus, it will need to run its course before it will go away totally. Learn more about it from our AFC Urgent Care Louisville team below.

What Exactly Is Mono?

Mono, or infectious mononucleosis, as it’s medically known, is a group of symptoms that is almost always caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. Mono is regarded as the “kissing disease” because it is usually transferred through saliva.

Mono isn’t a life-threatening infection for most people, and symptoms usually go away in about a month. However, common symptoms like excessive fatigue can make going about daily life tough for an extended period of time.

Common Mono Symptoms

• 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 Can Treat Mono Symptoms?

As we said earlier, treatment isn’t very effective against mono, since it’s a viral infection. Additionally, antibiotics are ineffective, as well.

The majority of treatment emphasizes self-care, such as getting adequate sleep, eating a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be used to treat a fever or a sore throat. If you experience the symptoms we’ve listed below, though, seek medical attention for further treatment.

When to Seek Additional Medical Treatment

• 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

Feeling rough? Our AFC Urgent Care Louisville team can provide the non-emergency medical care you and your family need! Visit our AFC center today.