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Undetected Mono Symptoms

Mononucleosis, often called just "mono," is a common illness. Many times it goes undetected because the symptoms are mild, especially in children, and it clears up on its own without anyone ever knowing the patient had mono. In adults the symptoms are often more severe, but mono may go undetected because it is not suspected since the patient is not a teen. Although doctors usually only prescribe bed rest and drinking extra fluids while the illness runs its course, having the diagnosis of mono helps the patient or caregiver know the symptoms and complications that may occur.

  1. Typical Symptoms

    • Early symptoms of mono include severe fatigue, headache, sore throat, chills, fever and muscle aches; a general flu-like feeling. After a few days additional symptoms may appear, such as swollen lymph nodes, a measles-type rash, jaundice and red spots in the mouth, especially on the roof of the mouth, white patches on the throat, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and swelling around the eyes. Soreness in the upper left abdomen indicates an enlarged spleen, another sign of mono.

    Less Typical Symptoms

    • Symptoms that occur less often are stiff neck, sensitivity to light, chest pain, cough, breathing difficulties, rapid heart beat, nose bleeds or hives.

    Later Symptoms

    • Usually mono resolves itself after 4 to 6 weeks with proper rest and a lot of fluids. When mono goes undetected, however, and these precautions aren't taken, more severe complications can appear. Dehydration is the most common complication because the patient did not drink enough fluids. Severe pain in the upper left abdomen could mean the spleen has ruptured, which requires immediate, emergency attention. When mono is diagnosed, doctors check for an enlarged or tender spleen and liver, and advise refraining from sports for 4 to 6 weeks, as falling or getting hit while playing a sport can cause the enlarged spleen to rupture.

    Serious Complications

    • Even more serious complications can occur if mono goes undetected. A patient can develop hepatitis, inflammation of the brain or heart, and anemia. If a person has severe, unrelenting fatigue, persistent headaches or chest pain, she should see a doctor to determine if one of these complications has occurred, or if they may be symptoms of a different illness.

    Mono in Children

    • Although mono is most common at ages 15 to 17, children and even infants can get it. When they do, it may go undetected because it's not a typical illness for children. Usually, mono in children produces much milder symptoms than in teens and adults, so it often goes undetected and clears up quickly. Sleeping more than usual, a loss of appetite and fever can be symptoms of mono in children. If a child who has been given amoxicillin for another reason subsequently breaks out in a rash or hives, this could be a symptom of mono also.

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