What is Mono?!
Question: Okay so my doctor thinks that this really bad cold that I have is merely a symptom of Mono. I don't really know what it is. Can someone who has had it tell me what it feels like and/or what it is? Thanks!
Answers: Okay so my doctor thinks that this really bad cold that I have is merely a symptom of Mono. I don't really know what it is. Can someone who has had it tell me what it feels like and/or what it is? Thanks!
Did your doctor explain to you what mono is or give you a test? If not, he should have. Mono (mononucleosis) is a virus common among teenagers that causes fatigue and a weakening of the immune system. If you're tired all the time or have been getting sick more often than usual, you may have it. It's not a lot of fun, but it's not dangerous either. It's easy to treat once you know what's wrong.
You should schedule another appointment with your doctor, and he should be able to test you for it. When I was diagnosed with mono, my doctor did a finger-prick and took a small amount of blood. This test is simple and can give you the answer in minutes, although it's not always completely definitive.
Until you can see your doctor, stay home from school or work and get as much rest as you can. Don't over exert yourself and don't play contact sports (I would assume you're not feeling well enough to anyway), because occasionally people with mono can have an enlarged spleen, and you don't want to risk it rupturing. If you're going to take anything for a headache or fever, don't take aspirin, because, according to Wikipedia, that has the potential to cause liver problems. Take Advil or Tylenol instead.
Please keep in mind that I am BY NO MEANS a doctor, and that you need to go see someone as soon as you can! Mono can go undiagnosed and untreated for a long time, and the sooner you talk to your doctor, the sooner you can start getting better.
I really hope you don't get scared by all of this. Having mono isn't fun, but by the time you get diagnosed and start resting, the worst is over. I hope you start feeling better soon!