Severe fatigue. You may feel excessively sleepy, or just lethargic and unable to muster any energy. You may find yourself exhausted after the smallest bit of exertion. This can also manifest as a feeling of malaise or general unwellness. Sore throat, especially one that doesn’t go away after taking antibiotics. Fever. Swollen lymph nodes, tonsils, or a diagnosis of swollen liver or spleen. Headache and body aches. Occasionally a skin rash. Loss of appetite.
Monospot antibody tests check your blood for Epstein-Barr virus antibodies. You will get results within a day, but this test may not be able to detect mono during your first week of symptoms. There is a different version of the antibody test that can detect mono within the first week, but it requires a longer result time. Tests looking for elevated white blood cell counts can also sometimes be used to suggest the presence of mono, but won’t actually confirm mononucleosis for sure.
Due to the fatigue it causes, people with mono should stay home from school and put other regular activities on hold. This doesn’t mean you can’t be occasionally social, however. Spending time with friends and family can be a good way to keep spirits up during what is otherwise a lousy and frustrating time—just avoid exertion and be prepared to rest when they go home. Avoid physical contact with them, especially any involving saliva, and wash your hands thoroughly.
Taking aspirin when feverish can put children and teens at risk for Reyes’ Syndrome. It is almost nonexistent in adults. [8] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Family Physicians Organization devoted to improving the health of patients, families, and communities Go to source
Abdominal pain can radiate to the shoulder and cause pain even though the spleen is not in that area.
