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Retest for Mono ?

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My friend suffered through August with a case of mono that was complicated with strep throat. Against my better judgment I spent time with him towards the end of August when he said he was feeling fine.

On August 30th I started running a high fever and developed muscle aches, this quickly led to swollen tonsils covered with white spots and I developed some sinus problems.

I saw my doctor on the 31st and was checked for strep in her office (negative) and had blood work done for mono (came back negative a week later). The doctor prescribed me antibiotics, just to be cautious, which I finished and by the time the 5 day course was done I was feeling better.

My tonsils aren't a normal size yet, but I can swallow fine. And my sinuses are still messed up, but nothing terrible. But for the past four days I have been experiencing muscle aches again and feeling feverish. After finally checking my temperature, I do have a low grade fever.

Is it possible that I have mono? Do mono symptoms wane and come back? Is it possible it was too early to tell by blood work in August if I had mono? If I do go back to the doctor, what type of blood work should I ask for?

Thanks for any help you can give me.
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replied September 15th, 2010
Experienced User
You didn't mention your age? That would help my answer greatly.
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replied September 15th, 2010
I'm 28 years old. And I forgot to mention that I had very itchy ears when I went to see the doctor and that has returned a bit as well.
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replied September 15th, 2010
Experienced User
K, that helps..My best guess is you do not have mononucleosis. By the time people are your age, there's a 95% chance you've already come into contact with the virus that causes mononucleosis, EBV. This means you already have the proper immunity from catching a primary infection from someone else.
Secondly, the most telling blood work you can ask for is the CBC or complete blood count. This would be much more telling. By the CBC a doctor can get an idea if your body is fighting some type of infection, and can give a hint whether it's bacterial or viral.
From what you've wrote, it only looks like they tested for 2 specific things..strep and mono..
My best guess is that it's a coincidence that you fell ill after being around someone with mono. It's probably safe to say you have a run of the mill flu, cold etc.. However if you're concerned and are not getting better, go back to the doctor have them do the CBC and retest for mono..The Mono test is NOT accurate early in the illness. Usually even after 3 weeks there's only a 75% chance that if you have mono, it will be positive. Also, your symptoms are non-specific, meaning they can be caused by numerous issues..So I wouldn't worry to much about mono.
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replied September 15th, 2010
Thanks for answering my questions and the information. I really appreciate it.
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