It’s important to know what to look for and how to handle each condition.
Be sure to see a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis.
Mono is most common among teenagers and young adults.
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Mono is sometimes called “the kissing disease” because it is spread through bodily fluids.
How Are Mono and Strep Throat Diagnosed?
Anyone can get strep throat, but it is most common in children and teenagers.
Illustration by Mira Norian for Verywell Health
They can be mild or severe, and they tend to come on gradually.
Symptoms of mono include:
Less common symptoms include:
What Else Can Cause a Sore Throat?
Sore throatsare usually brought on by a virus like those that cause a cold or flu.
Bacterial infections like tonsillitis and some sexually-transmitted infections can also cause a sore throat.
Sore throats are sometimes triggered by irritants like allergies, dry air, or cigarette smoke.
Serious complications from strep throat are uncommon.
Strep Throat Treatments
Strep throat is treated with antibiotics, usuallypenicillinor amoxicillin.
Other antibiotics can be given if there are allergies to the first-choice antibiotics.
Fever usually goes away within 24 hours of starting antibiotics.
Other symptoms should start dissipating by the second or third day.
once they feel well and are no longer contagious.
To help relieve symptoms, people can:
Can Mono and Strep Throat Be Prevented?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About infectious mononucleosis (mono).
Centers For Disease Control.About strep throat.
Cleveland Clinic.Mononucleosis (mono): symptoms, treatment & diagnosis.
Nationwide Children’s.Mononucleosis (infectious): symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.
Nationwide Children’s.Strep throat (bacterial): symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.
Mount Sinai.Strep throat information.
KidsHealth.Mononucleosis (mono) (for parents).
