Hi everyone, I just got diagnosed with a relapse in mono last week, with my symptoms showing up at the end of July. I didn’t think you could get mono again, so it was a shock to me that I have it again. This time around my symptoms have been reoccurring fevers, body aches, and major fatigue. The last time I had mono was 20 years ago when I was 18, so I can’t remember how long I had a fever, but is it normal for it to be going on 3 weeks? I’m so worried and nervous about this! I’m a teacher and have to start back at work on the 27th, and I have a lot of anxiety about still having fevers. Also, I’m taking ibuprofen for my fevers which is working, but now I’m worried about taking ibuprofen this long. Thanks for any advice and reassurance anyone cane give me!
Hi Christine,
What your going through is completely normal for mono. Fevers can last much longer than just 1 month for some. Hoping this mono episode isn’t as bad as your last one.
Remember you’ll get through this!
Thank you so much for your reply. It really makes me feel less anxious.
Hi Christine,
This is very normal with mono and at least your body is putting up a good fight.
HI Christine,
So sorry to hear that you have been hit with mono at this time, really empathising having went through the virus myself about 12 years ago. Yes they do say you can't get mono twice, that is because the virus which causes it (most often EBV) is already in your system, but as you say these kind of reactivations can happen especially under times of stress, I had a mini-reactivation after about 21 months of when I first had the virus. I was so worried at that time I would have to go through it all again, but thankfully it settled down within a few weeks, and really hoping that this is the case for you too because your body already has the antibodies from memory to deal with it. The other explanation to having it twice is that it is a different virus from the one you had first time, one other virus that I've read causes mono is called CMV. Maybe worth asking the doctor if they are able to tell you which virus you had when you were 18 and which one you have now, that might help..
Anyway, most important thing is I do want to reassure you that it is normal what you are going through, these horrible fevers and fatigue and body aches (not that it makes it any easier to deal with), and that they do go away and get better. I know it's so hard when you have work to deal with, I did have to take an extended period off work when I had mono, but I know others have worked through it. I definitely think getting plenty of rest is very important and reducing stress as much as possible. So do put your health first of course, but I hope that you feel better soon that you can go back to work and don't have to take too much if any time off.
Taking vitamins and herbs helped me when I had the virus, a good strong multi-vitamin per day (I take Immunace Extra here in the UK), B complex (for energy levels and nervous system), higher doses of Vitamin C (1000mg-3000mg per day) and immune boosting herbs like oregano / siberian ginseng / echinicea.
Really hoping you feel much better soon, and please do remember that this DOES get better and what you're going through although so tough to deal with and draining is classic course for the virus - and you will get fully over this and better again! Thinking about you and hang in there!
Craig
Thanks for your reply! That’s what I keep telling myself. The body is fighting.
Thank you Craig! I appreciate ALL of this information. Have definitely wondered if it’s the same virus causing it or not. I just have to keep reminding myself to rest, rest, rest. I have two young children also, so this mono experience is SO much more challenging than when I was 18 living with mom & dad. At least I have a wonderful husband who is able to do all the kids stuff so I can rest. Will definitely look more into the vitamins also. Thanks!
Do you have any advice on the enlarged spleen? It’s just so uncomfortable. I feel so bloated. It really worries me, so I’m being extra careful, but I know it’s a common symptom of mono. Is it going to last weeks and weeks??? Thanks again!
Hi,
Fellow teacher here too. I was feverish and had drenching night sweats for months but my temperature was always below normal. I don’t know what type of fatigue you’re talking about - body weakness or sleepiness - but I had awful weakness body fatigue and I was off work for 4 full months with gradual return. Hope you get better soon.
Hi Christine,
So sorry you had a reoccurring bout of mono, such a tough thing to have to go through again.
Your fever is completely normal, I had I lowgrade fever lasting three months. Fever everyday, I was so tired and feeling general malaise.
I hope you get better soon, but the fever is completely normal.
Thanks for your response! I’m so sorry you went through your sickness for that long. I have overall body weakness (not sleepiness), so I’m just resting all day. Did you have to miss 4 months of school??? Oh my goodness I’m so sorry!! How did that work? Did you use FMLA? Truly hoping I don’t need that much time off. I’m supposed to go start working in my classroom next week, but knowing how I’m feeling I basically can’t do anything. I have friends and coworkers ready to basically move everything around for me and set things up. I’m hoping I’ll feel better (enough) for the first day of school in 3 weeks. If not I guess I’ll need a sub to start the year. ☹️
Oh my! Fever for 3 months? I’m so, so sorry. Thank you for letting me know the fevers are normal- it really helps. I hope you are feeling better now!
I was so worried about the fever too, thought I had leukemia!! But then I got diagnosed with mono. And realised it is completely normal, even for several months. 😦
I sort of got used to having a fever, now I still have a sort of irritated throat, it's now been four months with mono, and after reading other stories here, I've been blessed with a milder case.
I think the worst part is not knowing how long it's going to last. I hope you feel better soon and can get back to work, but remember to rest, I felt that was a must, even though I kind of got used to the malaise. Good luck!
Oh I’m sure you must have been so scared!! Glad it wasn’t anything worse! I’m sorry you’re still sick- I hope you feel better soon! Sorry it’s happened over the summer too. I’m glad to have these message boards- it definitely helps to hear other people’s stories and know that these are all normal things with mono. It’s a frustrating virus though... having to be patient and rest... been very tough. Hugs to you!
Hi Christine,
I too experienced low grade fevers for 2 weeks and severe bloating which lasted for 3 weeks. They went away gradually. Now my only symptom is general tiredness but not as bad as the initial weeks. Things do get better so please stay positive and don't stress yourself too much.
Hope you will recover soon.
Thanks,
RD
Yes, there message boards are very helpful, specially when doctors say two months, and it lasts longer, you start worrying. No need though, this thing can take I long time!
I really hope you feel better soon Christine, hugs to you too. 💞
I really appreciate your reply, thanks! Definitely trying to stay positive and know it will take time, but it will go away eventually. Thanks!
Oh no, I was hoping you were simply experiencing sleepiness. The horrible weakness is just something else, isn’t it?
Well I felt sick since September but I figured it was just bad luck catching one flu after the next. I took a sick day here and there during this time.
From then I pretty much collapsed one day during an assembly and was too weak to even email my sub any lesson plans. Was hoping the sub would be professional and plan moving forward as my leave was for 2 weeks at first - nope! Wishful thinking. So disappointing.
From then I tried to come back but I would keep taking sick days and t was too disruptive, so I just took a leave of absence. I was actually too sick to apply for any of my benefits and did not get paid for months. Didn’t have the strength to think about paperwork!
I hope you feel better in the next week. I’m returning full time in a few weeks but getting my classroom set up leaves me feeling achey and unwell STILL. Almost a year later. Nothing as bad as before but I have a fear now of getting to that point 
Oh my goodness, I am so, so sorry to hear that you have been going through this! Poor thing! Teaching is one of the hardest jobs to have to be absent for... getting sub plans written is so much work. I’m sure you tried to push through so many days, since it’s so hard to be absent. I’m so sorry you passed out during an assembly! 😫. I hope that you are able to continue feeling better and get through the beginning of this school year. That’s what I’m very worried about right now.
Hi Christine,
I can only imagine how tough it must be to cope with this virus as a mother of young children, I truly believe you're going to get through this hard time Christine and be back to enjoying fun and happy and healthy times with your children without feeling this way again. It is great that you have a supportive husband who is helping and understanding. Do utilise that support and get the rest and time and space you need right now Christine - looking after yourself and taking care of yourself is a priority right now.
Oh so sorry to hear that you're having issues with your spleen. I had some pain around the spleen area, I think most people do with the virus, although the doctor said it wasn't enlarged or anything. The spleen is like the nerve centre for glands I think, so it is only natural folk to have issues there. I really hope this settles down soon, I know as you say it's important to be extra careful and not do any real physical work or movements that could cause stress in that area. Really hoping and praying it settles down soon, and remember you ARE going to get through this and get better! I strongly believe that Christine, thinking about you today.
Craig
That low grade fever is so horrible Malene, I had it all throughout the virus and couldn't find a right name for it until I discovered that this is what is what - just felt like rushing flushes through my system - was awful and as you say one of the worst things is just not knowing how long things go on for. If you knew that the virus would last say 3 months, it would be a blow at the time I know but at least you would know you would be fully better after that.
Hoping you are feeling much better now and definitely encouraging Christine and everyone on the site that this virus does get away with time. God is a great healer!
Craig