Feeling wiped out for days on end with a sore throat that just won’t quit? You might be dealing with more than just a lingering cold - mononucleosis could be the culprit.
Often called “mono” or the “kissing disease,” mononucleosis is a viral infection most commonly caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). While kissing is a well-known way it spreads, any exchange of saliva, like sharing drinks, utensils, or even a cough, can pass the virus along.
Common Symptoms of Mono
Mono symptoms can show up gradually and typically peak within 1–2 weeks. Here’s what to watch for:
- Extreme fatigue
- Fever
- Sore throat (often mistaken for strep)
- Swollen lymph nodes, especially in the neck and armpits
- Enlarged tonsils
- Headache
- Skin rash
- Swollen spleen (in some cases)
Symptoms can linger for several weeks, with fatigue lasting the longest—even up to a couple of months.
How is Mono Diagnosed?
At Patient Plus Urgent Care, we begin with a clinical evaluation of your symptoms. If mono is suspected, our team may recommend a mono spot test (a rapid blood test) or other bloodwork to confirm the diagnosis and rule out similar conditions like strep throat or the flu.
Treatment: What Helps?
Unfortunately, there’s no specific antiviral treatment for mono. The best remedy is rest, hydration, and time. Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help manage fever and pain. Here’s what we recommend:
✅ Get plenty of rest
✅ Drink fluids to stay hydrated
✅ Avoid contact sports to reduce the risk of spleen injury
✅ Ease throat pain with lozenges or saltwater gargles
Antibiotics aren’t effective against viruses, but if strep throat is also present, an antibiotic may be prescribed.
When to Visit Patient Plus Urgent Care
If you or your teen has a sore throat that’s not improving, extreme fatigue, or swollen glands, stop by any Patient Plus location. Our team can evaluate your symptoms and provide the care (and peace of mind) you need.
Patient Plus Urgent Care – Get in, Get better.
When you’re sick or injured, whether routine or urgent, quality medical care should be easy to find and available when you need it. That’s the idea behind Patient Plus Urgent Care, with convenient locations across Southern Louisiana.
Patient Plus treats most common illnesses and injuries — the sniffles, rashes, fevers, aches, breaks, and other conditions that deserve prompt treatment but aren’t serious enough to require a trip to the nearest emergency room. The clinics provide complete diagnostic services, including X-rays, EKGs, and flu and strep tests. Other services include physicals, vaccinations, and more. Patient Plus clinics are open every day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and patients never need to call first or make an appointment.