Mono is an infectious illness that many people will get. In fact, nearly 90% of people will come in contact with the virus that causes it, the Epstein-Barr Virus, by the time they are 35 years old.

While mono can be tough to deal with, it will usually clear up within around a month without treatment. Learn more about this common illness from our AFC Urgent Care Easley team below.

What Is Mononucleosis?

Mono, or infectious mononucleosis, as it’s medically known, is an infectious illness most commonly caused by the Epsein-Barr virus (EBV), as we said previously. Because it is easily transferred by bodily fluids such as saliva, mono is known as “the kissing disease.”

The most common symptoms of mono are mentioned below.

Common Mono Symptoms

• Extreme fatigue
• Fever
• Sore throat
• Head and body aches
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck and armpits
• Swollen liver or spleen or both
• Rash

Can You Get Mono More Than Once?

It’s possible, but not likely. Most people that get mono will have it only once, but the virus that causes the infection, EBV, lies dormant in the body after initial infection. It can activate and cause symptoms again in the future, but this usually only happens with people who have previously compromised immune systems.

Additionally, while it is true that mono can cause symptoms that last for months in some cases, the illness won’t have a long-term effect on the immune system. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms that we’ve listed below, don’t hesitate to reach out to our AFC team to get medical care.

When to Seek Medical Attention

• 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

Mono can be a tricky illness. If you want to learn more about or believe you have it, call or visit our AFC Urgent Care Easley center today!