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How do you know if your sore throat is caused by mononucleosis?Having a sore throat can be a symptom of many conditions, and many people wonder if their own sore throat might be a sign of something more serious than the common cold. Specifically, infectious mononucleosis ("mono") and infection with Streptococcus bacteria ("strep throat") are two conditions that both produce an extremely painful sore throat. Like the common cold, infectious mononucleosis is caused by a viral infection. The virus responsible for mono is called the Epstein-Barr virus, abbreviated EBV. EBV is a very common virus worldwide, and studies show that up to 95% of the U.S. population has been infected with EBV at some point in their lives. EBV infection, especially if it occurs early in childhood, does not always cause illness, or it may cause a very mild illness that is not distinguishable from colds or other mild illnesses of childhood. However, when infection first occurs during the teen years or in young adulthood, infectious mononucleosis will develop in up to 50% of cases. What are the symptoms of mono?
Enlargement of the spleen and inflammation of the liver may also occur. Severe complications are very rare, and the condition gradually resolves on its own. Because mono is caused by a virus and not bacteria, antibiotics are of no benefit. Therefore, treatment is directed at relieving the symptoms, which may persist for one to two months. What are the differences between mononucleosis and strep throat?In contrast to infectious mononucleosis, strep throat is caused by a bacterial infection. As with mono, the symptoms of strep throat can include:
Strep throat is also common in children and teens. In cases of strep throat, the tonsils are often enlarged, and red and white patches can sometimes be seen in the throat. If not treated, strep throat can lead to complications, such as rheumatic fever, later in life. Treatment involves antibiotics, and people with strep throat usually feel better after taking the antibiotics for a day or two. Mono and strep throat account for only a small percentage of sore throats. The majority of sore throats are minor discomforts that occur in combination with other symptoms of the common cold. However, high fever, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, enlarged tonsils, and extremely painful sore throat are all warning signs that warrant a visit to the doctor to rule out mono or strep throat. Your doctor can perform simple tests in the office to determine whether your symptoms may be due to mono or strep throat. References Medically reviewed by Robert Cox, MD; American Board of Internal Medicine with subspecialty in Infectious Disease REFERENCE: UpToDate. Mononucleosis, also called mono or the kissing disease, is an infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. It’s most common in
teens and young adults. It usually goes away on its own without causing serious illness. The early symptoms of mononucleosis are like those of the flu. You might have: After a day or two, you may also have: Signs of mono usually show up 4 to 6 weeks after you’re infected with the virus. Most people feel better after 2 to 4 weeks, but they may be
tired for several weeks after that. Symptoms can sometimes last 6 months or more. 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: Can mono be mistaken for strep?Signs of mono usually show up about 1–2 months after someone is infected with the virus. Its most common symptoms are sometimes mistaken for strep throat or the flu.
What does mono feel like in the beginning?Mono may begin slowly with fatigue, a general ill feeling, headache, and sore throat. The sore throat slowly gets worse. Your tonsils become swollen and develop a whitish-yellow covering. Often, the lymph nodes in the neck are swollen and painful.
What is worse strep throat or mono?Although both infections can result in sore throat, mononucleosis will make a person feel exhausted, as exhaustion is not a symptom of strep throat. While strep throat will usually lead to enlarged tonsils and the probability of red or white patches in the person's throat.
How do I check myself for mono?Self-Checks. A high fever.. Severe or persistent abdominal pain.. Severely swollen throat or tonsils.. Difficulty breathing or swallowing.. Limb weakness.. A severe headache.. |
How do you know if you have mono or strep
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