What happens if mono goes untreated

Signs and symptoms such as a fever and sore throat usually lessen within a couple of weeks. But fatigue, enlarged lymph nodes and a swollen spleen may last for a few weeks longer.

The most common cause of mononucleosis is the Epstein-Barr virus, but other viruses also can cause similar symptoms. This virus is spread through saliva, and you may catch it from kissing or from sharing food or drinks. Although the symptoms of mononucleosis are uncomfortable, the infection resolves on its own without long-term effects.

Most adults have been exposed to the Epstein-Barr virus and have built up antibodies. This means they're immune and won't get mononucleosis. The spleen is a small organ usually about the size of your fist. But a number of conditions, including liver disease and some cancers, can cause your spleen to become enlarged. Mononucleosis may cause enlargement of the spleen. In extreme cases, your spleen may rupture, causing sharp, sudden pain in the left side of your upper abdomen.

If such pain occurs, seek medical attention immediately — you may need surgery. The Epstein-Barr virus can cause much more serious illness in people who have impaired immune systems. Mononucleosis is spread through saliva. If you're infected, you can help prevent spreading the virus to others by not kissing them and by not sharing food, dishes, glasses and utensils until several days after your fever has improved — and even longer, if possible.

And remember to wash your hands regularly to prevent spread of the virus. The Epstein-Barr virus may persist in your saliva for months after the infection. No vaccine exists to prevent mononucleosis. Many do not develop symptoms of mono, but they become carriers. Symptoms can vary between age groups. In young children, any symptoms that appear tend to be mild. In teenagers and young adults, however, they can be more severe.

People aged 15—24 years are most likely to develop the classic symptoms of mono. They also tend to have the most severe symptoms. Symptoms often last 2—4 weeks, but they can persist for longer. Fever, sore throat, and other common symptoms may last for several days and then gradually get better. If kissing is a factor in spreading mono, it may be that the higher levels of saliva exchange lead to more severe symptoms.

Another theory is that younger children gradually build up an immunity to the virus if exposure occurs from a lower age, as happens in some countries. An adolescent with no previous exposure to the virus may be more vulnerable, as their immune system is less able to repel the attack.

Children often do not have classic symptoms, or they may have mild symptoms that resemble those of a common cold or the flu. It is unclear how they get the virus. One possiblity is that parents, as carriers, pass the virus on to their children when it reactivates and sheds. If a child has mild mono symptoms, a parent may think this is a cold or flu, especially if fever and a sore throat are the main symptoms.

A study from notes that mono is less common in adults aged over 40 years. Adults may not experience the classic symptoms of a red throat and swollen lymph nodes. Instead, liver problems may occur. A fever with liver inflammation can make mono harder to spot in this age group. Muscle aches may also be more common in this group, according to one older study. Mono can resemble other illnesses, so people should contact a doctor if they have concerns about symptoms that may indicate mono.

Parents should call a doctor if a child:. Those with symptoms of a ruptured spleen should seek emergency care immediately. In a teenager or young adult with classic symptoms, a doctor can usually diagnose mono through a physical examination. However, symptoms can be less obvious in younger children and older adults, so additional testing may be needed. At this point, you would have sufficient amounts of heterophile antibodies to trigger a reliable positive response.

If your monospot test comes back negative, your doctor might order an EBV antibody test. This blood test looks for EBV-specific antibodies. This test can detect mono as early as the first week you have symptoms, but it takes longer to get the results.

However, your doctor may prescribe a corticosteroid medication to reduce throat and tonsil swelling. The symptoms usually resolve on their own in 1 to 2 months. Contact your doctor if your symptoms get worse or if you have intense abdominal pain.

Learn more about treating mono. Treatment at home is aimed at easing your symptoms. This includes using over-the-counter OTC medicines to reduce fever and techniques to calm a sore throat, such as gargling salt water.

Find out more about home remedies for mono. Mono is typically not serious. In some cases, people who have mono get secondary infections such as strep throat , sinus infections , or tonsillitis.

In rare cases, some people may develop the following complications:. You should wait at least 1 month before doing any vigorous activities, lifting heavy objects, or playing contact sports to avoid rupturing your spleen, which may be swollen from the infection.

A ruptured spleen in people who have mono is rare, but it is a life-threatening emergency. Call your doctor immediately if you have mono and experience a sharp, sudden pain in the upper left part of your abdomen. Hepatitis liver inflammation or jaundice yellowing of the skin and eyes may occasionally occur in people who have mono. Mono symptoms like fatigue, fever, and a sore throat usually last for a few weeks. In rare cases, the symptoms can flare up months or even years later.

EBV, which usually is what causes a mono infection, remains in your body for the rest of your life. It occurs less commonly in adults over the age of Older adults with mono will usually have a fever but may not have other symptoms such as a sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, or an enlarged spleen.

Children can become infected with mono by sharing eating utensils or drinking glasses, or by being near an infected person who coughs or sneezes. Because children may only have mild symptoms, such as a sore throat, a mono infection may go undiagnosed. Children who are diagnosed with mono can usually continue to attend school or day care.

They may need to avoid some physical activities while they recover. Children with mono should wash their hands frequently, especially after sneezing or coughing. Learn more about the mono symptoms in children. Most people are infected with EBV early in life. As with older children, toddlers can become infected with mono by sharing eating utensils or drinking glasses.

They can also become infected by putting toys in their mouths that have been in the mouths of other children with mono. Toddlers with mono rarely have any symptoms. If they do have a fever and sore throat, it may be mistaken for a cold or the flu.

If your doctor suspects your toddler has mono, they will probably recommend that you make sure your child gets rest and plenty of fluids. Get a better understanding of the risk of mono relapse. Most people have mono only once. In rare cases, the symptoms can recur due to a reactivation of EBV.

This is a serious condition in which the mono symptoms persist longer than 6 months. Mono is almost impossible to prevent. This is because healthy people who have been infected with EBV in the past can carry and spread the infection periodically for the rest of their lives. Almost all adults have been infected with EBV and have built up antibodies to fight the infection.