Mononucleosis Treatment in India

Pooja Patel, a 19-year-old pre-med sophomore,...

Pooja Patel, a 19-year-old pre-med sophomore, had been pushing through extreme fatigue, a sore throat, and body aches for two weeks, attributing it to 'burning the candle at both ends' with exams and her part-time job. When she developed a fever and noticed swollen glands in her neck, her roommate insisted she see a doctor. At the campus health center, the internal medicine physician, noting her symptoms and a possible exposure to a sick friend, recommended a mononucleosis spot test (Monospot) and a complete blood count (CBC) to confirm. The blood draw was quick, though Pooja was anxious about the results. The tests confirmed infectious mononucleosis. The doctor explained the viral nature of the illness, emphasizing rest, hydration, and avoiding contact sports due to spleen enlargement risk. The diagnosis, while validating her suffering, initially devastated Pooja, who feared falling behind in her rigorous courses. Over the next month, she learned to prioritize her health, accepting help from friends and professors. Her recovery was slow but steady. The emotional journey shifted from frustration and fear to acceptance and self-compassion, teaching her a crucial lesson about resilience she'll carry into her medical career.