Infectious mononucleosis (mono) is an illness most often caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. It usually brings extreme tiredness, fever, sore throat, body aches and swollen lymph nodes in the neck. At Urgent Care Center of Westmont, also known as Immediate Care Center of Westmont, our providers can examine you, check for other causes such as strep throat, and order blood tests like the Monospot test when they are useful.
Most people get better in 2 to 4 weeks with rest and fluids. Some feel tired for several weeks longer. There is no vaccine for mono, and it spreads mainly through saliva, so avoid sharing drinks, utensils and kisses while you are sick.
According to the CDC, typical mono symptoms include:
Mono symptoms can look like strep throat or the flu, which is why an exam helps.
A visit starts with your history and an exam of your throat, neck glands and belly. A strep test may be done because strep throat can look like mono and needs different care. If mono is likely, a provider may order blood work such as a Monospot test or a white blood cell count.
Timing matters. MedlinePlus notes that the Monospot test can be negative if it is done in the first 1 to 2 weeks of illness, so a repeat test is sometimes needed. Care for mono focuses on rest, fluids, salt-water gargles and over-the-counter pain or fever medicine. The CDC advises against penicillin antibiotics such as amoxicillin for people with mono.
Because the spleen can swell, the CDC advises avoiding contact sports until you fully recover. Ask your provider when it is safe to return to sports.
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room for sudden, severe belly pain (which can signal a spleen problem), trouble breathing, trouble swallowing (including your own saliva), a stiff neck, or chest pain or pressure, trouble breathing, signs of a stroke (face drooping, arm weakness, trouble speaking, sudden loss of balance or vision), severe bleeding, fainting or a seizure.
Contact a provider if symptoms last more than 10 days, or if you have a high fever that does not go away or a severe headache.
We see patients with sore throats and fatigue from Westmont, IL and nearby communities, including Clarendon Hills, IL, Downers Grove, IL, Darien, IL, Hinsdale, IL and Lisle, IL.
Walk in or check in online to save your spot. Both locations are open Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM, and Saturday and Sunday, 9 AM to 5 PM: our main clinic at 29 N Cass Ave, Ste A, Westmont, IL 60559, and Immediate Care Center of Westmont Inside Jewel-Osco at 4 E Ogden Ave, Westmont, IL 60559.
We accept most major insurance plans, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana, UnitedHealthcare and Medicare. Coverage for mono testing depends on your plan, so please call (630) 324-6825 to confirm before your visit. See the full list on our cost and insurance page.
No insurance? We offer flat, upfront self-pay urgent care pricing. Ask our front desk what your visit and any tests will cost before we start.
Yes. The Monospot test may be negative early in the illness, most often in the first 1 to 2 weeks. A provider may repeat it or order other blood tests.
No. Mono is caused by a virus. Antibiotics help only if a bacterial infection, such as strep throat, is also present.
The CDC advises avoiding contact sports until you fully recover because the spleen may be enlarged. Ask your provider before you return.
Yes. It spreads mainly through saliva. Do not share cups, utensils or lip products, and wash your hands often.
Sources: CDC: About Mono, MedlinePlus: Mononucleosis, MedlinePlus: Mononucleosis spot test.
Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
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