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. Laboratory tests are not usually needed to diagnose infectious mononucleosis. Healthcare providers typically diagnose infectious mononucleosis based on symptoms. How is mono diagnosed Your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms and will examine you. Severe pain in the upper left part of your belly may mean that your spleen has burst. Health experts arent sure how long people with mono stay. Symptoms usually start 4 to 6 weeks after you are exposed to the virus. Participating in contact sports can be strenuous and may cause the spleen to rupture. People are definitely contagious while they have symptoms, which can last 24 weeks or even longer. Based on the severity of the symptoms, a healthcare provider may recommend treatment of specific organ systems affected by infectious mononucleosis.īecause your spleen may become enlarged as a result of infectious mononucleosis, you should avoid contact sports until you fully recover. Symptoms may develop slowly and may not all occur.

If you have infectious mononucleosis, you should not take penicillin antibiotics like ampicillin or amoxicillin. Typical symptoms of infectious mononucleosis usually appear four to six weeks after you get infected with EBV.

taking over-the-counter medications for pain and fever.

You can help relieve symptoms of infectious mononucleosis by. You can help protect yourself by not kissing or sharing drinks, food, or personal items, like toothbrushes, with people who have infectious mononucleosis. There is no vaccine to protect against infectious mononucleosis.

Other infections that can cause infectious mononucleosis:

Mono incubation period