Mononucleosis or a mono infection is also known as a kissing disease, as it majorly spreads through saliva, though it can also spread through coughing, sneezing and sharing utensils with the affected person. A sore throat and severe fatigue are major symptoms of a mono infection.
Can Mono Turn Into Strep?
Both mono infection and a strep infection can lead to extremely painful sore throat. However, these are two completely different infections. While mono is a viral infection like common cold, a strep throat is a bacterial infection. While mono cannot turn into a strep throat, or mono does not lead to a strep throat; it is still possible that you can get both mono and strep throat at the same time. There is a chance that you have caught both infections simultaneously.
Let us have a brief look at both the types of infections.
Mono Or Mononucleosis
- Mono is a viral infection, which is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, abbreviated as EBV
- EBV is a very common virus and is found worldwide
- In early childhood, EBV will not cause an illness always, or even if it does the symptoms will be mild
- The symptoms are much grave when an infection occurs in teen or adult years
Mono cannot be cured as it is a viral infection. However, symptoms can be reduced with the help of some medications along with some natural, home remedies
Strep Throat
- Strep throat is a result of a bacterial infection
- Strep throat is very common in children and adults alike
- Untreated strep throat can lead to serious complications like rheumatic fever in the later life
- Strep throat is treated with antibiotics. The symptoms of a strep throat usually subside within a day or two of taking antibiotics
The symptoms that are mostly common in a mono infection or a strep throat may include-
- A high grade of fatigue or extreme tiredness
- A throat infection or sore throat, which won’t subside with antibiotics. The sore throat is thought to be a strep infection, mistakenly.
- Fever
- Swollen or enlarged lymph nodes present in the area of neck and armpits
- Tonsillitis or enlarged / swollen tonsils
- Headaches
- A rash on the skin
- Splenomegaly or a swollen spleen that feels soft
In an adolescent or young people, mono is seen with most of the signs and symptoms. However, in small children, symptoms are few and mono usually goes unrecognized.
Treatment For A Mono Infection
- There is no specific treatment for a mono infection as it is a viral infection and it cannot be cured. Treatment usually focuses on reducing the symptoms-
- It is advised to take ample rest, even during the day time as people with mono tend to be fatigued.
- Staying hydrated is of paramount importance
- A dehydrated body is slow to heal and may even make symptoms worse than they already are.
- To treat the fever, some over the counter medicines like acetaminophen or ibuprofen may help. However, it is best to take these medicines on proper advice from a consultant
- Sore throat can also be reduced with the help of some over the counter medicines
- If a mono infection is accompanied with another infection like a strep throat, a sinus infection, tonsillitis, these other secondary infections need to be treated with proper medicines like antibiotics and such others.
Those suffering with a mono infection may develop a rash when certain medications are consumed. These medicines include amoxicillin and other derivatives of penicillin Though it does not mean that such people are allergic to that particular antibiotic, it surely says that there are other medicines available that may be much less likely to cause a rash and can be preferred over penicillin derivatives.
A mono infection cannot turn into or lead to a strep throat, however, they both can co-exist. The symptoms are similar however, the primary treatment differs for both conditions.
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