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Warning-sign checks

Infectious mononucleosis: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services for:

    • Sudden or severe upper-left abdominal pain
    • Abdominal pain with left shoulder pain, dizziness, or fainting
    • Trouble breathing or noisy breathing
    • Inability to swallow saliva
    • Confusion, collapse, or a seizure

    These symptoms can indicate spleen rupture, severe airway swelling, or another complication requiring immediate assessment.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek prompt medical advice if:

    • You cannot drink enough or are passing very little urine
    • Fever or throat symptoms are worsening rather than improving
    • Your skin or eyes become yellow
    • Abdominal discomfort develops
    • Symptoms improve and then return
    • Fatigue remains severe or unexplained over time

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has a fever with a stiff neck, a rash that does not fade under pressure, or severe headache
    • has a wound that is hot, spreading red, or leaking pus
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine medical assessment if you think you may have mono, especially if you have a severe sore throat, swollen neck glands, ongoing fever, or fatigue that is disrupting daily activities.

    Testing may be needed because several infections can cause similar symptoms.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Infectious mononucleosis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.