What are the Symptoms of Herpes Infection With Mono?

Herpes and mono are both highly contagious infections that are generally spread through one-on-one contact: herpes through sexual contact and mono through kissing or other exchanges in bodily fluids. For this reason, it is very possible to contract both illnesses at once if you have engaged in sexual intercourse with someone who is infected. To find out your risk, check for symptoms and then visit a doctor right away.

Contraction

• Herpes is a viral illness that affects the genital area and is spread through sexual intercourse. You can also contract the virus through oral sex, and symptoms may arise as cold sores. Mono is another viral illness caused by the caused by the Epstein-barr virus, a virus in the herpes family. It is spread much like the flu, through kissing, touching an infected person's tissue or surface where the virus had landed and then touching soft membranes like the eyes, nose or mouth, and sharing glasses or eating utensils.

Symptoms of Herpes

• Both herpes and mono have very different and distinct symptoms that will likely occur simultaneously if you have contracted each of them at the same time. Additionally, since the virus that causes mono is similar to the virus causing genital herpes, contracting mono may bring on symptoms of a previously contracted herpes infection. Symptoms of herpes include small, red and often very painful bumps on the skin, primarily on or around the genital area or around the mouth in the form of a cold sore. The bumps may then become puss-filled blisters that are generally very painful. Often the blisters will soon burst, leaving an open sore that will eventually scab over and heal. You may also experience flu-like symptoms before the initial outbreak, or a few weeks after contact. Nausea and vomiting may also be present.

Symptoms of Mono

• In cases where both mono and genital herpes are present, in addition to the bumps and blisters, you may also experience flu-like symptoms. These include lack of energy, loss of appetite, chills, severely sore throat, fever and swollen glands and lymph nodes. More than likely, tonsils will become very swollen and red and may have a whitish coating over them.

Treatment for Herpes and Mono

• Since both mono and herpes are both caused by viruses, there is no cure for either at this time. Your doctor may prescribe a fever reducer and flu medication to help alleviate symptoms of mono. If you are simultaneously experiencing genital herpes symptoms or cold sores, he may also give you a prescription for medication to clear the blisters. In most cases, once your immune system has killed the virus causing mono symptoms, you will never get the illness again. Much like chicken pox, your body will create a natural immunity against the virus.

Complications

• In some very rare cases, mono can become more serious. Symptoms may become severe and last for several weeks. This usually happens in those who already have a compromised immune system resulting from another virus, STD or infection. If you have been feeling ill for more than two weeks with no change, consult your doctor. In some cases, mono can cause strep throat, which is generally treated with penicillin. Some patients also experience inflammation of the liver and spleen that is not prolonged and usually unharmful.

Misconceptions

• Although mono, genital herpes and cold sores are caused by similar viruses in the same family, you contract the illnesses separately. You can have mono and never become infected with genital herpes or cold sores and vice versa.