The rapid strep test can be done quickly in your doctor’s office with a throat swab, and it tests for the streptococcus bacteria that cause strep throat. These tests are not always accurate, and can show inaccurately negative results a third of the time. This is a good first test, but a throat culture is often required for accurate diagnosis. The most accurate way to determine the cause of your tonsillitis is for your doctor to check the results of your throat culture. This is when your throat swab is sent to the lab and a lab technician determines what, if any, bacteria are present on your tonsils. Then your doctor can prescribe you the right antibiotics to treat the cause of your tonsillitis. Mono can only be diagnosed with a blood test. Because it’s a virus, mono will pass on its own — stay hydrated and get a lot of rest. You should still see your doctor for diagnosis if you have symptoms of mono because mono can cause an enlarged spleen, which can rupture if you overexert yourself. Your doctor will explain what you need to do in order to stay safe and get better.

Summary: Get a rapid test done at your doctor’s office. Wait for your throat culture to return from the lab. Get a blood test done to check for the mono virus.


Certain types of government-backed loans are much easier to assume than conventional loans. In most cases, you must meet the qualifications of the government agency in order to assume the loan.  Conventional loans usually prohibit assumptions; however, a bank may be willing to allow you to assume a mortgage if the current owner is in a financial bind that jeopardizes the payback of the note. Additionally, if the buyer has the potential to add a large down payment to the current loan, the lender may be more likely to allow the assumption of the loan. Always talk with the lender, a real estate professional, and a lawyer to ensure you can assume the loan. There are certain situations where you may want to assume a mortgage. For example, when you assume a mortgage you keep the interest rate that the original owner has on the loan. If interest rates have risen, then assumption may make financial sense.  People also assume mortgages when awarded a property in divorce or as a gift in a will. An assumption can also save you time. Typically, it only takes 30 days to approve a mortgage assumption. You will have to pay the owner for the equity that he already has in the property. For example, if the owner has $140,000 remaining on a mortgage but the selling price is $200,000, then you need to come up with a down payment of $60,000 to cover the equity that has built up in the house.  Furthermore, the lending company may expect you to put a substantial amount of money down in order to qualify you for the assumption. Assumption fees also apply, depending on where the property is located. Average assumption fees can range from $562-1062 or more.  Also understand that assuming the mortgage does not necessarily mean that you will be able to have identical terms as the current mortgage terms. Lenders often have the ability to alter loan terms if the loan is assumed, which could negate any benefit from assumption. Be sure that you understand precisely the terms of the mortgage before assuming it. If you need to make a down payment, then you should figure out how to come up with the money. If you do not have the necessary amount in cash, then check if you can borrow the money from a bank or credit union. You should approach a mortgage assumption in a similar fashion as buying a house with traditional financing.

Summary: Learn whether you are permitted to assume the loan. Decide whether assumption of the mortgage is a good idea. Find out how much it costs. Check whether you can obtain funds.


Position your paperback and small hardback book standing up. Line it up next to books that are approximately the same size to prevent it from warping out of shape. Make sure that your books aren’t leaning, and use book ends if necessary to keep them straight. If your book is too large to store upright, lie it flat with no more than two other books stacked on top of it. UV rays from the sun can cause book jackets and covers to fade over time. This damage is permanent and it will devalue expensive or rare books. Place bookshelves in a shady corner of the room whenever possible. If you can't store your book out of the sun and wish to protect it from fading, purchase a UV-resistant cover for it online or in a book store. As a general rule, try to keep your book in a room that is 70 °F (21 °C) or cooler. Make sure that the room is not damp or humid, which may encourage mold to grow. Keep your book away from heaters or heating vents, as excessive heat can cause your book to deteriorate faster.
Summary: Position your book upright with similarly sized books. Keep your book out of direct sunlight. Store your book at room temperature and keep it dry.