What tests are used to diagnose mononucleosis?
The monospot test is done to help diagnose a recent mono infection. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antibody testing is also done to help diagnose mono. The EBV antibody test can help determine whether you have ever been infected with the virus and whether the infection has been recent.
What is the standard treatment for mononucleosis?
There’s no specific therapy available to treat infectious mononucleosis. Antibiotics don’t work against viral infections such as mono. Treatment mainly involves taking care of yourself, such as getting enough rest, eating a healthy diet and drinking plenty of fluids.
Does mono need to be diagnosed?
Healthcare providers typically diagnose infectious mononucleosis based on symptoms. Laboratory tests are not usually needed to diagnose infectious mononucleosis. However, specific laboratory tests may be needed to identify the cause of illness in people who do not have a typical case of infectious mononucleosis.
How is mono diagnosed in adults?
Mono may be suspected based upon a person’s symptoms and physical examination. Blood tests are done to confirm the diagnosis. However, the most commonly used blood test for diagnosis in North America, known as the Monospot, can be falsely negative during the first weeks of symptoms.
Can you test positive for mono without symptoms?
This blood test looks for EBV-specific antibodies. This test can detect mono as early as the first week you have symptoms, but it takes longer to get the results.
Is mono worse for adults?
In young children, any symptoms that appear tend to be mild. In teenagers and young adults, however, they can be more severe. Here, learn more about the symptoms and treatment of mono.
How is mono treated and diagnosed?
Mononucleosis can only be diagnosed by using a blood test. Since mononucleosis is a virus, there are no antibiotics that treat it. General treatment for mono is rest, plenty of fluids and acetaminophen for the aches and pains. Mono may last for several weeks, and the symptoms may recur for several months.
What is the best treatment for mono?
The treatment for mononucleosis involves self-care at home with plenty of rest, fluids and over-the-counter medications. Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) for fever and pain control. Throat lozenges or gargling with warm saltwater may soothe a sore throat.
Why is Mono called the kissing disease?
Mononucleosis , commonly referred to as “mono,” is called the kissing disease because it is spread through contact with an infected person’s saliva.
How can you catch mono?
One common way to “catch” mono is by kissing someone who has been infected, which is how the illness got nicknamed the “kissing disease.”. If you’ve never been infected with EBV, kissing someone who is infected can put you at risk for getting the disease.