What should you know about mono and strep throat?

Mono, short for infectious mononucleosis, is an illness that may cause marked tiredness, sore throat, fever, and swollen glands, especially in the neck. Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the throat. It may cause a sudden sore throat, painful swallowing, fever, and tender neck glands. A sore throat or fever can occur with either illness, so the symptom alone cannot identify the cause.

A clinician may examine the throat and neck and choose tests based on the pattern of symptoms and examination findings. The illnesses can occur together, although similar symptoms do not prove that both are present. Antibiotics do not treat mono, while confirmed or strongly suspected bacterial strep throat may need antibiotic treatment prescribed by a clinician.

Rest, drink fluids, and choose soft foods if swallowing is uncomfortable. Follow the label or a clinician’s instructions for suitable pain or fever relief, and avoid sharing cups, utensils, or toothbrushes while you are unwell. Arrange a GP consultation if the sore throat is significant, symptoms are not settling, or you need help distinguishing mono from strep throat.

If mono is suspected, ask about returning to exercise and contact activities; strenuous activity may need to wait until a clinician considers it safe. Do not start leftover antibiotics or use someone else’s prescription. If a strep test is positive, take the prescribed treatment exactly as directed and seek advice if symptoms worsen or new symptoms appear.

Seek urgent medical help for trouble breathing, inability to swallow fluids or saliva, severe dehydration, confusion, or rapidly increasing swelling in the throat or neck. Seek prompt assessment for severe or worsening abdominal pain, fainting, or a very unwell appearance. A clinician can check for complications and decide whether testing or treatment is needed.

Ask: Which features point toward mono, strep throat, or another cause? Do I need a throat test or a test for mono? What can I safely take for pain or fever? Should I pause school, work, exercise, or contact sports? When should I return if swallowing, fever, or tiredness does not improve?