Don’t let mono linger and dampen your days when there are highly effective treatments to help you combat the virus and feel better. At Urgent Care of Soldotna in Soldotna, Alaska, the hard-working providers offer solutions to boost your overall health, prevent complications, and relieve your uncomfortable symptoms. Call the office today or just walk-in.
Mono Q & A
What is mono?
Infectious mononucleosis (mono) is a virus that’s transmitted through saliva, so you can contract it through kissing, by being exposed through a sneeze or cough, or by sharing food utensils or a cup with someone who has mono.
Mono isn’t as contagious as the common cold and it’s more prevalent in adolescents and young adults. However, mono can cause more serious complications, such as an enlarged spleen, and liver and heart problems.
What are the symptoms of mono?
The symptoms of mono depend on the person, but common signs and symptoms include:
- Sore throat
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes in your armpits and neck
- Headache
- Swollen tonsils
- Skin rash
- Soft, swollen spleen
Symptoms such as a sore throat and fever often lessen within a couple of weeks, but enlarged lymph nodes, fatigue, and a swollen spleen might last for a few more weeks.
What causes mono?
The most common cause of mono is the Epstein-Barr virus, but other viruses can also result in similar symptoms. The Epstein-Barr virus can remain in your saliva for months after the infection.
How is mono treated?
Urgent Care of Soldotna offers a convenient point of care onsite testing, including blood work. After any necessary testing and evaluation, such as a white blood cell count and a physical exam, the team decides the best way to treat your mono.
Treatment usually involves certain medications, such as pain relievers and anti-inflammatories, and education on how to take care of yourself to combat the virus. You should be sure to get enough rest, consume a healthy nutrient-dense diet, and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
To avoid the risk of rupturing your spleen, your provider might recommend waiting a few weeks to a month before returning to vigorous activities, contact sports, and heavy-lifting. Rehabilitative exercises might be useful to help you build strength as you recover.
Antibiotics aren’t effective against viral infections like mono, but if you do have a bacterial infection alongside mono, your provider might also suggest antibiotics.
Request an appointment online, call Urgent Care of Soldotna or walk in to find relief from your symptoms and feel better sooner.