I have weakness and pain throughout my limbs. Am I still dealing with mononucleosis?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 20-year-old male with no previous major health issues. I currently weigh around 165 lbs with a height of 6 feet. Three months ago, I was diagnosed with infectious mononucleosis, and I was cured, or I thought so. Since then, I have dealt heavily with weakness and pain in my arms and legs.

The longer I wait between meals or rest within each day, the worse the pain and weakness. For illustration, today, I waited a significant amount of time without eating, and I was at the point of collapsing in weakness and pain throughout my limbs. Also, I was having trouble concentrating.

I believe I have had it for the past nine months. Within this, I have dealt with consistent fevers, headaches, nausea, weakness, fatigue, sore throat, shortness of breath, loss of smell and taste, congestion, trouble breathing, etc. I may have COVID and pneumonia in this mix as well.

In your opinion, do you believe I am still dealing with mononucleosis?
Or do you think it is something else?
What should I do now?
Should I get more blood work?
Should I take an antibiotic?

I have no idea what to do or where to go from here concerning all of this.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com

I understand your concern and will help you with it.

In general, if you have had infectious mononucleosis (IM) in the past, then the chances of reinfection are very slim.

However, the feeling of tiredness may last for a few months.

Also, in susceptible hosts under optimal environmental conditions, the virus can reactivate and cause physical symptoms (or may be asymptomatic).

I am sure you have already recovered from the infection. Still, to confirm, I will ask some questions.

Do you still have swollen lymph nodes?
Did you undergo serology for IM like IgG (immunoglobulin G) and IgM (immunoglobulin M) antibodies?
Did you undergo a COVID antibody test (to confirm past infection)?

I suggest you undergo serology for IM and a COVID antibody test. I also suggest a CBC (complete blood count) and DLC (differential leukocyte count) with PBF (peripheral blood film) analysis.

You have had symptoms of COVID as well. There may be a sense of tiredness for few upcoming months in post-COVID as well.

I hope this will help.

Take care, and expecting to hear back from you soon.