Post Accuracy of Mono Test Results/symptoms? Staff Infection?

Question

I went to my doctor on monday because my university doctor was bad and what he gave me didn't help my problem. So my real doctor told me that I might have mono or a staff infection because of the severity of my sore throat (***** red mucusy throat negative for strept)

the only external symptoms I had of mono were a fever and sore throat. Absolutely no fatigue what so ever and I don't know about swollen lymph nodes.

My test results for mono came back negative, but my doctor said that doesn't mean I don't have it, and there is no way to test for staff. So I should be watched very closely for the next couple of weeks and take it easy.

I was wondering as to the accuracy of mono test results? Also, my spring break is coming up this week. I was planning on going to florida for the first weekend to see a concert that i've already paid for. I would be taking it easy while in florida and at the concert. So I was wondering how much risk I would be taking in going?

Answer 1

As a healthcare provider I order Mono labs and it is a quick in-office test that is somewhat less accurate than ordering an Epstein-Barr which takes a few days to come back which is more accurate for mono. If he ordered an antibiotic then I would say a staph infection (if that is what it was is OK). If it is mono I tell people to 'take it easy for 6 weeks" no heavy lifting or physical education classes or sports. This is why...sometimes with mono the spleen can become enlarged. The problem is that if the enlargment is big enough and one would do something strenous and ruptures it...well you would bleed out quickly and....well ...'nuff said'. In all my years I have never seen it happen. If a patient complains of upper left abdominal pain and is positive for mono then I order a ultrasound of the spleen to be sure how enlarged it is. Truthfully, mono makes you tire easily, become ill more often and can take months to completely regroup from. But there is no cure, and taking it easy is the best you can do. So....is this such a serious situation.........doubtful.

Answer 2

Do you mean a staph infection? If you do it can be tested for by culturing the site of the infection.