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Mono Throat Infection

Mononucleosis is sometimes referred to as "the kissing disease." The virus associated with mono is transmitted by saliva. While you can get the disease by kissing a person who has it, it is also common to contract a mono throat infection by sharing a cup or being exposed to a cough or sneeze.

  1. Symptoms

    • A mono throat infection could be accompanied by a number of different symptoms. Some of these symptoms include fatigue, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes in your neck or armpits, headache, loss of appetite, night sweats, weakness and fever. You also may notice that you have a skin rash and your tonsils could be swollen.

    Complications

    • If you have a mono throat infection, one of the more significant potential complications is the possibility that your spleen will rupture. Although this does not occur often, it is a possibility. There could also be liver complications. It is possible you could contract hepatitis or jaundice.

    Blood Tests

    • Your doctor will likely perform a blood test to diagnose a mono throat infection. An antibody test can be performed that will give results within a day to determine if you have mononucleosis. A doctor may also do a test to see what your white blood cell count is. If you have a higher-than-average white blood cell count, this suggests that mononucleosis is a possibility.

    Home Remedies

    • Stay hydrated. In addition to drinking to keep up your energy level, you can also drink water and fruit juices to help prevent sore throat. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be taken; however, they do not do anything to treat the virus. Instead, they can help relieve pain or a fever that you might have as a result of the mono. Gargling salt water can also be done several times a day to relieve a sore throat.

    Treatment

    • For the most part, your treatment will consist of bed rest and fluid consumption. If you have a mono throat infection, you also may have strep throat. If this is the case, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat it. If there is any kind of severe swelling around your throat or tonsils, your doctor might prescribe a corticosteroid such as prednisone.

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