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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffSigns and symptoms of mononucleosis may include:
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Sore throat, perhaps a strep throat that doesn't get better with antibiotics
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes in your neck and armpits
- Swollen tonsils
- Headache
- Skin rash
- Loss of appetite
- Soft, swollen spleen
- Night sweats
The virus typically has an incubation period of four to eight weeks, although in young children this period may be shorter. Signs and symptoms such as fever and sore throat usually lessen within a couple of weeks, although fatigue, enlarged lymph nodes and a swollen spleen may last for a few weeks longer.
When to see your doctor
If you've been experiencing the above symptoms, you may have mononucleosis.
If rest and a healthy diet don't ease your symptoms within a week or two or if your symptoms recur, see your doctor.
- Epstein-Barr virus and infectious mononucleosis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/ebv.htm. Accessed April 27, 2010.
- Infectious mononucleosis. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec14/ch189/ch189f.html. Accessed April 27, 2010.
- Fort GG, et al. Mononucleosis. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2010. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/198193047-5/0/2088/420.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05609-0..00022-8--sc0150_8624. Accessed April 27, 2010.
- Katz BZ. Epstein-Barr virus infections (mononucleosis and lymphoproliferative disorders). In: Long SS, et al., eds. Long: Principles and Practice of Pediatric Infectious Diseases. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/198193047-5/0/1679/211.html?tocnode=55243816&fromURL=211.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-443-06687-0..50210-1_3825. Accessed April 27, 2010.
- Ross SM. An integrative approach to rhinosinusitis in children. Holistic Nursing Practice. 2009;23:302.
- Hoecker JL (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. April 29, 2010.
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