How do I know if I have tonsillitis or mono?

Mononucleosis and severe streptococcal tonsillitis appear quite similar. Unless there are other findings to suggest mononucleosis, a throat culture and blood studies may be necessary to make an accurate diagnosis. Infectious mononucleosis is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus
Epstein-Barr virus
The Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), formally called Human gammaherpesvirus 4, is one of the nine known human herpesvirus types in the herpes family, and is one of the most common viruses in humans. EBV is a double-stranded DNA virus. It is best known as the cause of infectious mononucleosis ("mono" or "glandular fever").
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki
.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on mountsinai.org


What does mono feel like in the beginning?

You might feel more tired than usual and have a mild fever and sore throat. Your lymph nodes, tissue that normally acts as filters, may swell under your arms and in your neck and groin area. You also may have body aches and pains, swollen tonsils, headache, and even a skin rash.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on webmd.com


Does mono make your tonsils hurt?

Infectious mononucleosis. Swollen tonsils that appear red and with white lesions that may be oozing pus are a hallmark of infectious mononucleosis. It is considered highly contagious and is usually caused by the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV).
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on webmd.com


Do your tonsils turn white with mono?

Infectious mononucleosis

This highly contagious viral infection, also called mono, can cause white spots on your tonsils and in your throat. Additional symptoms of mono include: fever. fatigue.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on healthline.com


Can you have tonsillitis and mono at the same time?

A streptococcal (strep) infection sometimes goes along with the sore throat of mononucleosis. You may also develop a sinus infection or an infection of your tonsils (tonsillitis). If so, you may need treatment with antibiotics for these accompanying bacterial infections.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on mayoclinic.org


Infectious mononucleosis, Causes, Signs and Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment.



What does mono sore throat feel like?

Severe sore throat, which is almost always present and lasts about 6-10 days. The throat may be very red, with white spots or pus on the tonsils. This can initially look similar to strep throat. Fever of 100-103° F (37.8-39.4° C), which is usually worst during the first week and may worsen at night.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on uhs.umich.edu


How long do swollen tonsils last with mono?

Sore throat — A sore throat may last seven to 21 days. However, in severe cases of mono it may last as long as six months. Swollen lymph nodes — A person infected with mono may experience swelling of the lymph nodes, primarily in the neck.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on templehealth.org


What are the four stages of mono?

Stages of Mono
  • The prodrome stage. Mono infection occurs in three stages. ...
  • The acute phase. The acute phase, which can last for 2 to 6 days, is when the symptoms begin to worsen. ...
  • The convalescent stage. The last stage is the convalescent or recovery stage, which can last from 2 to 6 months.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on afcurgentcare.com


What does mild tonsillitis look like?

Red, swollen tonsils. White or yellow coating or patches on the tonsils. Sore throat.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on mayoclinic.org


What STD causes white spots on tonsils?

Chlamydia in the throat may cause white spots to appear in the back of the throat or tonsils. If you have swollen tonsils and any other symptom that resembles a strep throat infection, it may be wise to still get tested for chlamydia. These white spots may resemble tonsillitis that are caused by a bacterial infection.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on everlywell.com


Does mono cause pus on tonsils?

People with mono usually have a sore throat, fever, swollen glands, and pus on their tonsils. Their liver and spleen might be tender and larger than normal.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on aafp.org


Does mono sore throat get worse at night?

Severe sore throat, which is almost always present and lasts about 6-10 days. The throat may be very red, with white spots or pus on the tonsils. This can initially look similar to strep throat. Fever of 100-103° F (37.8-39.4° C), which is usually lowest during the first week and may worsen at night.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on health.unl.edu


How do you get rid of mono in your throat?

How is mononucleosis treated?
  1. Rest.
  2. Drink plenty of fluids (alcohol NOT included)
  3. If you have a sore throat, gargle with salt water or suck on lozenges, hard candy or frozen desserts (popsicles are good)
  4. You may want to take acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve pain and fever.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on health.williams.edu


How do you get rid of swollen tonsils from mono?

Reduce Sore Throat and Tonsil Swelling

A warm salt water gargle can help soothe your tonsils. You can also drink cold beverages, eat frozen yogurt or ice cream, or have a popsicle.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on verywellhealth.com


Do you need to have a fever to have mono?

Mono mostly affects people in their teens and 20s. It occurs less commonly in adults over the age of 30. 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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on healthline.com


What's the difference between tonsillitis and glandular fever?

Although this may be mild, your throat is usually very sore, red and swollen. Glandular fever is typically suspected when a tonsillitis is severe and lasts longer than usual. Swallowing is often painful and saliva may pool in your mouth.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on patient.info


Should I stay off work with tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis isn't contagious but the infections that cause it are (for example, colds and flu). To stop these infections from spreading: stay off work or keep your child at home until you or your child feel better. use tissues when you cough or sneeze and throw them away after.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on nidirect.gov.uk


How do they test you for tonsillitis?

Diagnosis
  1. Using a lighted instrument to look at your child's throat and likely his or her ears and nose, which also may be sites of infection.
  2. Checking for a rash known as scarlatina, which is associated with some cases of strep throat.
  3. Gently feeling (palpating) your child's neck to check for swollen glands (lymph nodes)
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on mayoclinic.org


What happens if mono goes untreated?

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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on mayoclinic.org


How much do you sleep when you have mono?

How is Mono Treated? need to take care of yourself so your immune system can fight the infection. Antibiotics are NOT useful in treating viral diseases such as mono. You will need plenty of rest (8 to 10 hours of sleep a night).
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on uwec.edu


What does mononucleosis look like?

The common signs of mono include swollen, red tonsils, enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, and a fever that ranges from 102°F to 104°F. About one-third of people who have mono have a whitish coating on their tonsils. Approximately 50% of people with mono have swollen spleens.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on onhealth.com


Can I go to work with mono?

Many people with mono develop an enlarged spleen, which can last for a few weeks or longer. Although you can return to school or work when you are feeling better, it's important to avoid activities that can cause injury to the spleen.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on uptodate.com


What are the signs and symptoms of tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis
  • a sore throat.
  • problems swallowing.
  • a high temperature of 38C or above.
  • coughing.
  • a headache.
  • feeling sick.
  • earache.
  • feeling tired.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on nhs.uk


Does amoxicillin treat mono?

While the mono itself is not affected by antibiotics, these secondary bacterial infections can be treated with them. Your doctor probably won't prescribe amoxicillin or penicillin-type medications when you have mono. They can cause a rash, a known side effect of these drugs.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on healthline.com
Previous question
Will a fan help stain dry faster?