For the past few weeks, I've had a persistent sore throat and swollen lymph nodes in my neck. I also feel very fatigued and have a mild fever. I had a blood test done, and it showed elevated levels of something called EBV antibodies. Could this be mononucleosis? What should I do to recover?
Below.
EBV Antibodies:Positive
Hemoglobin:12.5 g/dL
Liver Enzymes:30 U/L
Platelets:200 x10^9/L
White Blood Cells:11.0 x10^9/L
Laura, a 22-year-old female, reports a persistent sore throat, swollen lymph nodes in her neck, fatigue, and a mild fever for the past few weeks. She had a blood test done which showed elevated levels of EBV antibodies.
Infectious Mononucleosis (80%) - Infectious mononucleosis, also known as mono, is a viral infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). It is characterized by symptoms such as sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, and fever.
Strep Throat (20%) - Strep throat is a bacterial infection that can cause a sore throat and swollen lymph nodes, but it is less likely given the positive EBV antibodies.
Based on your symptoms and the positive EBV antibodies in your blood test, it is highly likely that you have infectious mononucleosis, commonly known as mono. Mono is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and is characterized by a sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, and fever. The elevated white blood cell count also supports this diagnosis. Mono is usually not serious and often resolves on its own with rest and supportive care. It is important to get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, and take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to manage symptoms. Avoid strenuous activities and contact sports, as mono can cause your spleen to enlarge, making it more susceptible to injury. Strep throat is a less likely diagnosis because it is a bacterial infection and your blood test showed positive EBV antibodies, which are specific to viral infections like mono. However, if your symptoms worsen or do not improve, it may be worth getting a throat culture to rule out strep throat. Expect to feel fatigued for several weeks, and it may take a month or more to fully recover. If you experience severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, severe abdominal pain, or jaundice, seek medical attention immediately.
Your blood test showed positive EBV antibodies, which indicates a current or recent infection with the Epstein-Barr virus. Your white blood cell count is slightly elevated, which is common in viral infections like mono. Your hemoglobin, platelets, and liver enzymes are within normal ranges, which is reassuring.
This document is not intended as medical advice or a replacement for professional medical consultation. It provides general guidance for initial diagnosis and suggests questions to discuss with a healthcare provider. Always seek personalized medical advice from a qualified physician or healthcare provider. For questions contact us at hi@doctola.com