Mono (mononucleosis) evaluation

A MinuteClinic provider can discuss your medical history and perform the necessary testing to determine if you have mono. If you do have mono, your MinuteClinic provider can answer any questions you have. There is no medication to cure mono, but MinuteClinic providers can explain treatments that can help you feel better.

1. You may have to answer a few questions about symptoms to help us prepare for your visit prior to scheduling your appointment.
   
2. Check-in varies depending on how you scheduled your appointment.

   
   If you made your appointment online:

   Check in using the email or text message we sent to confirm your appointment. If you prefer to check in using the electronic kiosk, make sure you have your confirmation code.
   
   If you made your appointment in the clinic:

   Sign in at the electronic kiosk.
   
   If you made a MinuteClinic Virtual Care^® appointment:
   To join your virtual visit, use the link in the email or text message we sent you to confirm your appointment. Please join 15 minutes before your scheduled visit time. You will need your date of birth and zip code to join the visit.
   
   
3. When it's time for your appointment, a provider will call your name.
   
4. Your provider will conduct a thorough examination based on your reason for visit, presenting symptoms and health history. Charges will be based on examination and services provided during the visit.
   
5. At the end of your visit, you are provided with a visit summary, receipt and educational material about your diagnosis. At your request, we can send your primary care provider information about your visit.

Mono usually begins slowly. It starts with fatigue, generally not feeling well, headache and sore throat. The sore throat usually gets worse and is followed by swelling of the lymph nodes (glands) in the neck and armpits. These swollen glands are usually painful to the touch.

Other symptoms may include:

• Drowsiness
• Enlarged spleen
• Fever
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Muscle aches and stiffness
• Rash (a rash is more likely if you take certain antibiotics)
• Sensitivity to light

Mono is usually a relatively mild disease and most people get better after two to four weeks. Some people can end up feeling tired for as long as six months after mono. In rare cases, mono can lead to severe problems, such as:

• Anemia (low red blood cell count or low hemoglobin)
• Hepatitis (liver swelling and damage)
• Nervous system problems
• Skin rash
• Spleen rupture
• Swollen testicles

These complications generally go away as mono resolves on its own. In some cases, individuals will need to be admitted to the hospital for observation (for example, to treat hepatitis) or even surgery (for example, to repair a ruptured spleen). In rare cases, mono can lead to death. This generally only happens in individuals with weakened immune systems who do not get treatment.

Mono is usually diagnosed based on a person’s symptoms and a medical exam. Lab tests are often used to identify the underlying cause or to confirm mono.