<p>The monospot is a quick test and used for screening. It is not perfect. It basically tests for antibody production of the Epstein barr virus.
There are other more accurate tests but they are more expensive. Either way the result is the same. There is no cure - if it is mono then she will eventually get better.
The monospot also may not be positive until one has had symptoms for one to two weeks.</p>
<p>There is probably nothing she can do to prevent full blown mono other than treat her symptoms. Rest and lots of fluids.
A cough is not usually a symptom of mono. She may have a sinus infection or another infection like bronchitis - so if the cough and congestion do not respond to the antibiotic and she gets worse she definitely needs to return to the clinic.
It could be that she is getting over mono and that she developed another infection as well.
I would tell her if she has not improved - cough, congestion -by Friday to go back - before the weekend.</p>