Countdown to Flu 2010: Flu Vs Mononucleosis

Recently we looked at the difference between pneumonia and the flu. Today we will use iTriage to review mononucleosis and help us learn how it is different from the flu. Below is the mononucleosis information on iTriage.

Description
Infectious mononucleosis (also known as “mono” in Northern America) is an infectious, viral disease. This disease is most common in adolescents and young adults and is characterized by fever, sore throat and fatigue, along with several other possible signs and symptoms.

Symptoms
Fever, sore throat, white discoloration of the tonsils (exudate), swollen lymph nodes, especially in the neck and armpit, general discomfort, uneasiness, or ill feeling, drowsiness, loss of appetite, muscle aches or stiffness, swollen spleen, rash.

Tests
A history and physical exam will be performed. A CBC will be done to detect abnormal white blood cells (atypical lymphocytes). A positive mono spot detecting the Epstein Barr virus is the most common method of diagnosis.

Treatment
Most patients recover within 2-4 weeks without medication. Acetaminophen (Tylenol), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications/NSAIDs (ibuprofen/Motrin or Advil, naproxen/Naprosyn) and drinking plenty of fluids are the mainstay of treatment. There is no specific anti-viral treatment available. Steroid medication may be considered for patients with severe symptoms. Patients are asked to avoid contact sports to prevent the spleen from rupturing.

As you can see both the flu and mononucleosis are viral diseases. The treatment for both is rest, oral fluids and medication for the fever. Remember antibiotics are not useful for a virus. Typically patients with mononucleosis have a more severe sore throat and swollen glands called lymph nodes. These swollen glands are found in the neck, and under the arms. Mononucleosis is more commonly found in children and in teenagers since most patients can only get the disease once. Many older adults have already built up a natural immunity from a previous infection preventing them from becoming ill a second time. The flu can infect the same person multiple times since each year it changes slightly. This ability of the flu virus to modify itself is why you need a new flu shot every year. Use iTriage to locate a provider for your flu shot.

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