Experiences with Mono and Shingles: Seeking Insights
32-year-old female, currently not on any medication, standing at 5'2" and weighing 151 lbs. I am reaching out to see if anyone else has had similar health experiences. It all began on January 14, when I developed a severe sore throat accompanied by extreme tiredness and significant sinus congestion, including a persistent cough. After a few days, I had moments of improvement, only for the symptoms to return shortly after. This cycle of feeling better, then worse, continued for roughly two and a half weeks. Not long after I started to feel a bit more like myself, I noticed two small red spots on my neck. A few days later, many lymph nodes in that area became noticeably swollen. My doctor suspected that it might be shingles, although wasn’t entirely certain. A subsequent blood test confirmed that I had mono. However, I was informed that shingles could lead to a positive mono test due to normal findings from my other blood tests. The recommendation was to take it easy and refrain from strenuous activities for a couple of weeks. Has anyone else experienced something like this? There’s still uncertainty about my condition. Thankfully, the swelling in my lymph nodes is decreasing, and my fatigue is slowly diminishing. Aside from that, I am feeling quite well. I have a flight booked in two weeks, and I’m curious—can the spleen remain swollen for over a month? The thought of not being active for several more weeks feels daunting!
Answers (1)
2/16/2026, 1:20:37 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you've been through quite an ordeal with your health, and it's understandable to feel concerned about your symptoms and what they mean for your upcoming travel plans. Based on your description, here's a summary and some guidance on what you're experiencing.
Main Points:
- You've had severe sore throat, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes, leading to a diagnosis of mononucleosis (mono).
- There are questions about shingles, but the focus is on managing mono.
- You're experiencing improvements, but there are concerns about the remaining swollen spleen and upcoming travel.
Explanation:
Mononucleosis is an infectious disease commonly caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, often leading to symptoms like severe fatigue, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and sometimes enlarged spleen or liver. It’s positive that you see improvements, including decreasing lymph node swelling and increased energy. Shingles (a reactivation of the chickenpox virus) can indeed cause some overlap in symptoms, but since your blood test confirmed mono, it's likely your current symptoms are primarily from that.
Prioritized Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in your symptoms, particularly around your throat, lymph nodes, and spleen. Note any new symptoms, especially if they become severe.
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Rest and Hydration: Continue to prioritize rest and stay well-hydrated. This is crucial for your recovery. Ensure you're getting plenty of fluids and nutritious foods to support your immune system.
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Activity Level: While you may feel better, it's wise to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for a few more weeks. Give your body time to heal, as potential risks include spleen rupture if it remains enlarged.
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Travel Considerations: Before your flight, ensure you feel stable and well enough to travel. If you have doubts, consider discussing potential travel risks with your healthcare provider, especially regarding managing fatigue during your trip.
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Follow-Up: If you notice any new symptoms or if fatigue persists or worsens significantly, consider reaching out for a follow-up discussion regarding your health.
It's important you listen to your body, take things slow, and prioritize your recovery as you prepare for your flight. If you have further concerns or specific questions as you progress, feel free to ask.
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