What should you know about mono and strep?

Glandular fever, also called mono, is a viral illness that commonly brings a sore throat, swollen glands, fever, fatigue, and a generally unwell feeling. Strep throat is caused by bacteria and can produce a sudden sore throat, fever, painful swallowing, and tender neck glands. Symptoms overlap, and one illness can occasionally occur alongside another.

A clinician may consider the pattern of symptoms, examine your throat and neck, and use a throat test or blood tests when appropriate. Antibiotics help bacterial strep, but they do not treat mono.

Arrange an assessment when a severe sore throat, fever, or swollen glands make eating and drinking difficult, or when symptoms are not improving. Drink regularly, rest, and choose soothing fluids or pain relief that is suitable for you. Do not share drinks or utensils. If mono is suspected, ask when it is safe to return to strenuous activity, because the illness can affect the spleen.

Seek urgent care for difficulty breathing, inability to swallow saliva, drooling, a muffled voice, severe one-sided throat pain, or rapidly increasing neck swelling. Get prompt help for dehydration, fainting, severe abdominal pain, confusion, or a worsening condition. Emergency symptoms can occur even when the original throat pain seemed routine.

Do my symptoms fit mono, strep, or both? Would a throat or blood test help? Do I need antibiotics? Which activities should I pause, and for how long?