Don’t mistake the fatigue of mono for just the winter blues

Cold and dreary winter weather often causes fatigue. But sometimes, the winter blues are really a first symptom of something more serious —mononucleosis or “mono.”

While mono has no connection to the seasons, people sometimes mistake its early stages with just feeling run-down or under the weather.

Mono is a virus that develops from exposure to the Epstein-Barr virus. EBV is a widespread human herpes virus that can cause many illnesses. Mono is commonly called “the kissing disease” because it is spread through saliva. This illness is most common in adolescents, but it can affect people of all ages. Studies show that nearly 90 percent of people are exposed to mono before age 40.

Symptoms of mono include fatigue, fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes and muscle aches. Mono is sometimes confused with strep throat, as the symptoms are similar. A simple test can be done at the doctor to differentiate between the symptoms.

The severity of mono varies widely. Young children may experience mild mono symptoms that are never diagnosed. Adolescents and adults will likely experience more severe symptoms. Symptoms typically last four to six weeks, but can linger for more than six months.

Mono is fairly simple for a physician to detect using the Monospot test. This test includes a finger prick and a blood test. Physicians can read the test in the doctor’s office and provide results within a few minutes. The Monospot test accurately diagnoses the majority of mono cases by testing for two antibodies in the blood.

In most cases, the best treatment for mono is resting and letting the body recover. A weakened immune system can contribute to worsened mono symptoms, so it is important to stay hydrated, get adequate rest and eat healthy to keep the immune system functioning properly.

Mono unfortunately cannot be cured with antibiotics. The virus must simply run its course before patients will start feeling better. Patients may take ibuprofen for muscle aches. Full recovery generally takes four to six weeks.

Mono patients must practice caution, as the illness makes body systems vulnerable to injury, particularly the spleen. Patients are instructed not to participate in contact or collision sports, and to avoid vigorous physical activity. Increased abdominal pressure from rowing motions, or lifting weights or heavy objects, can cause the spleen to rupture.

To avoid contracting mono, do not share food and drinks, and avoid close contact with others. This is extremely important for adolescents.

Those experiencing mono symptoms should visit a physician as soon as possible. A Monospot test can quickly and inexpensively determine if fatigue and simply “feeling sick” is actually a case of mono.

The sooner mono is detected, the more effectively it can be treated, and the sooner patients can return to normal.

This story was originally published March 5, 2016 at 7:57 AM with the headline "Don’t mistake the fatigue of mono for just the winter blues."