Understanding The Symptoms of Mono in Adults

The mono symptoms in adults vary because of the transmission of the virus. First, we should know that Mono is an infectious mononucleosis or kissing illness. The Epstein-Barr virus is the main culprit for causing kissing illness which is generally spread through saliva. It has a significant chance that a person sharing utensils with others will also be affected. Though it is not contagious such as a cold, it can lead to several symptoms. 

In this blog, we will discuss the top symptoms of Mono in adults and their related treatment and prevention measures. 

8 Symptoms of Mono in Adults

The characteristic symptoms of Mono mostly occur in people between the ages of 15 and 24. They frequently exhibit the most severe symptoms as well. However, not every person experiences the potential symptoms. Some only carry Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Around 95% of the people (between 35 and 40 age) in the United States carry EBV. 

The possible signs and symptoms of Mono in adults might include:

1. Fatigue -

Fatigue is one of the symptoms of Mono in adults without tonsils. It is observed that through contact, the infection spreads through saliva from the mouth. For that, the immune system gets busy removing the infection from the body. Therefore, it needs more energy, leading to fatigue.

2. Sore throat -

Usually, a sore throat is one of the first symptoms of Mono in adults that goes away in 21 days. However, in severe cases, the Mono stays for 6 months. It swelled the lymph nodes, which infects the throat. The EBV virus directly hits the throat, which leads to inflammation and also corneas. You may even notice the modification of your voice. Moreover, the visible symptoms of sore throat by mononucleosis are enlarged tonsils which leads to red and white patches in the throat. 

3. Fever -

Swollen lymph glands could cause a high fever. A virus can lead to swollen lymph nodes causing a high fever. It has been noticed that fever usually drops in 10 days. However, tiredness remains for a long time. The doctor basically advises for gargles, rest, supplements, analgesics, and painkillers. 

4. Swollen lymph nodes - 

EBV causes infection in the throat, which swells the lymph nodes. It can spread through the entire swollen nodes and then to white blood cells. The white blood cells activate the infectious process, and swelling is one of the factors. The swelling typically lasts for 4 weeks. It will fade away after some weeks. 

5. Enlarged tonsils - 

Enlarged tonsils are the inflammation of the tonsils, which the Epstein-Barr virus can cause. The associated symptoms are enlarged tonsils, swollen, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and tender lymph nodes. Doctors will notice that your tonsils are covered in whitish yellow. The tonsillitis is quite painful for the patient. The severe throat causes inflammation which basically takes a few weeks to go away.

6. Headache -

It is typically a viral infection that causes an inflammatory response in the whole body, leading to headaches. The tissues swell, which stimulates the body's pain and causes severe pain in the head as well. In severe conditions, headaches may also result in brain inflammation, seizures, meningitis, and many more. Usually, a headache lasts for 2 to 4 weeks. It can eventually go away after some. If it is not, contact the doctor. 

7. Skin rash -

You will notice that your skin is covered in red spots and bumps. It is also known as maculopapular rashes. It consists of pinkish-red spots on the skin. Moreover, some lesions appear such as pinkish-red raised spots. Many people also reported that after having mononucleosis, they develop skin rashes all over the body. 

8. Soft, enlarged spleen -

Splenomegaly results from lymphatic infiltration, which enlarges the spleen and puts pressure on the chest. It could increase the risk of organ rupture spontaneously or by trauma. Moreover, when infection progresses, proliferation occurs because of mononuclear cells, which lead to lymphoid tissue. Many reports and case studies depicted that people develop scenes caused by EBV. 

What Causes mononucleosis?

Approximately 90% of mononucleosis cases are caused due to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). In addition, some infections and viruses might also contribute to such a kissing illness. The potential causes of Mono may include:

• Adenovirus.

• Hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C

• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

• Herpes simplex virus

• Rubella

• Cytomegalovirus

• Toxoplasmosis

How Long Do Mono Symptoms Last?

The symptoms of mono typically last for 4 to 6 weeks after a person is affected by the EBV. In certain cases, the symptoms can also show up for 6 months or sometimes more. Moreover, it generally takes around 2-4 weeks to recover from symptoms of this illness. However, fatigue lasts for many weeks.

The Incubation Period of Mono (Mononucleosis)

The incubation period for the virus is roughly four to six weeks, though it may be shorter in small children. The signs of mono in adults typically disappear within a few weeks, including fever and sore throat. However, further weeks of weariness, enlarged lymph nodes, and splenomegaly may be experienced.

Risk Elements for Mono Disease

Saliva is the primary way the EBV virus, which causes Mono, is transmitted. Numerous people as children get the virus and never show any symptoms. The virus never leaves the body after it enters. However, it occasionally reactivates at a later date. Mono can be transmitted from someone healthy even though they show no symptoms since the reactivated virus can transfer to others through saliva. The risk may rise as a result of the following:

• sexual contact

• sharing of drinks

• toothbrushes

• items that come into contact with saliva

• receiving a blood transfusion

• having an organ transplant.

A person who has weak immunity is more vulnerable to:

• having symptoms after being exposed to EBV for the first time

• the virus that was reactivating and causing the second round of Mono.

How is Mononucleosis Diagnosed?

Doctors diagnose mononucleosis depending on the physical exam, symptoms, and blood tests: 

• Symptoms: The providers will ask about the potential symptoms you might have experienced or noticed. The symptoms might include fever, swollen lymph nodes, and sore throat.

• Physical exam: The doctors will check for tonsils and swollen lymph nodes in the neck. In addition, they will look for the symptoms associated with an enlarged spleen or liver.

• Blood tests: They will also recommend different blood tests to confirm the condition. The tests might include EBV-specific antibodies, White blood cell count, Monospot test, and Throat culture. They help detect unusual white blood cells, antibodies for EBV, and also bacterial infection. 

Also Read: The Accuracy of Mono Rapid Test

Treatment of Mono

Treatment basically focuses on preventing potential symptoms. You can prevent the symptoms by:

• Drinking a lot of fluids or liquids to stay hydrated.

• Taking over-the-counter (OTC) medications to relieve pain and fever.

• Performing gargle using salt water and using throat lozenges to soothe sore throat.

• Having corticosteroids to prevent tonsils and reduce throat swelling. 

• Getting enough rest to let the body fight against infection and recover.

Prevention of Mono

There is no known treatment to stop Mono, although following a few straightforward guidelines will help:

• washing hands

• coughing or sneezing into a disposable paper

• rewashing your hands after coughing

• staying home from work or school

• avoiding persons with Mono or symptoms of Mono until they get better

When to Visit a Doctor?

People who develop symptoms that could indicate mono should see a doctor. Call a doctor if an adult:

• shows odd behavior

• unwilling to eat

• has a fever that is equal to 104 degrees or higher

• experience a rash

• feel seizures

• may also exhibit signs of dehydration, such as not urinating.

Anyone experiencing signs of a ruptured spleen has to get to the hospital right away.

Final Thoughts

You must take care of yourself because the symptoms of mono in adults may transmit to another person. If you develop any symptoms, you can consult with a doctor immediately. In addition, you can also take virtual appointments, which help you get treated promptly. This is not a cold, but it could be dangerous, too, if it is not treated on time. So, consider all the points given above in the article for adequate treatment. If you develop any complications, contact the physician. Better you, Better us!