Mono is a common viral infection that primarily affects young adults and teenagers.

The condition is often called the “kissing disease,” due to the fact that it is often spread through direct contact with saliva.

Mono can be spread other ways, though, so read on as our AFC Urgent Care NC team further highlights this common viral illness below!

What Is Mono?

Infectious mononucleosis, as it is medically known, is a group of symptoms that is almost always caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Like we said earlier, mono is known as the kissing disease because it is easily transmitted by bodily fluids, such as saliva.

For most people, mono isn’t a life-threatening infection, and it will go away on its own. The most common mono symptoms are listed below.

Common Mono Symptoms

• Fatigue
• Sore throat, perhaps misdiagnosed as strep throat, that doesn’t get better after treatment with antibiotics
• Fever
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck and armpits
• Swollen tonsils
• Headache
• Skin rash

Is Mono a Cause for Serious Concern?

In most cases, no. Symptoms of mono usually last between two to four weeks and aren’t often severe. However, fatigue can last for longer than a month for some.

Where mono can become truly serious, though, is when it causes the enlargement and subsequent rupture of the spleen. This is very rare, but if the spleen bursts, it can leak into the abdomen, thus causing internal bleeding, which would require emergency surgery. If you are concerned about the mono symptoms that you’re experiencing, we’ve listed when you should consider calling a doctor below.

When to Call a Doctor

• 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

We’re here for you now and always! Don’t hesitate to visit one of our AFC Urgent Care NC centers today if you need non-emergency medical care.