how long is the treatment for mononucleosis

How long does it take for mono symptoms to go away?

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What is the prognosis of mononucleosis (mono)?

Symptoms. Most people get better in two to four weeks; however, some people may feel fatigued for several more weeks. Occasionally, the symptoms of infectious mononucleosis can last for six months or longer.

What is mononucleosis?

Outlook / Prognosis What is the prognosis (outlook) for people with mononucleosis (mono)? Mono symptoms can be severe. They may temporarily affect your ability to lead an active life. Fortunately, these symptoms gradually improve with at-home treatments. You may experience lingering fatigue for several months.

What is the incubation period for mononucleosis (mono)?

Mononucleosis (mono) is a contagious infection caused by a herpes virus called Epstein-Barr. Other viruses can also cause mono. The infection is common among teenagers and young adults. People with mono experience extreme fatigue, fever and body aches. Treatments can ease symptoms until the illness goes away on its own. Appointments & Access

How long do you have to quarantine for mono?

This is called the incubation period. Once your symptoms do appear, they may last for two to four weeks. You can pass the virus to other people through your saliva for up to three months after your symptoms subside. Some studies have reported that you may still be contagious for up to 18 months.

Is mono hard to treat?

For most people, mono isn't serious, and it improves without treatment. Still, extreme fatigue, body aches and other symptoms can interfere with school, work and daily life.

What would happen if mono is left untreated?

But a number of conditions, including liver disease and some cancers, can cause your spleen to become enlarged. Mononucleosis may cause enlargement of the spleen. In extreme cases, your spleen may rupture, causing sharp, sudden pain in the left side of your upper abdomen.

Whats the fastest mono can go away?

If you have a fever it will usually go away within 10 days. If you have an enlarged liver or spleen, it will usually become normal in 4-6 weeks. Other mono symptoms go away after 2-4 weeks (the length of time varies for each person), but you may continue to feel very tired for about 3-6 months, or even longer.

What are the four stages of mono?

Stages of MonoThe prodrome stage. Mono infection occurs in three stages. ... The acute phase. The acute phase, which can last for 2 to 6 days, is when the symptoms begin to worsen. ... The convalescent stage. The last stage is the convalescent or recovery stage, which can last from 2 to 6 months.

Is mono an STD?

Technically, yes, mono can be considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI). But that's not to say that all cases of mono are STIs. Mono, or infectious mononucleosis as you might hear your doctor call it, is a contagious disease caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). EBV is a member of the herpesvirus family.

Does mono weaken your immune system permanently?

Mono itself doesn't weaken the immune system. In even rarer cases, mono can lead to something called chronic active EBV (CAEBV) disease. This is a serious condition in which mono symptoms last longer than six months.

Can you go to school with mono?

Many people with mono develop an enlarged spleen, which can last for a few weeks or longer. Although you can return to school or work when you are feeling better, it's important to avoid activities that can cause injury to the spleen.

How easy is it to rupture your spleen with mono?

However, spontaneous rupture or atraumatic rupture of spleen secondary to infectious mononucleosis is rare with an estimation of 0.06%2 to 0.5%3 and it is the most frequent cause of death in infectious mononucleosis.

How do I know when mono is gone?

Mono symptoms usually go away within 2 to 4 weeks. In some teens, though, the tiredness and weakness can last for months. When you start feeling better, take it slow and don't overdo it. Although you can return to school after your fever is gone, you may still feel tired.

Do antibiotics make mono worse?

Amoxicillin and other antibiotics, including those made from penicillin, aren't recommended for people with mononucleosis. In fact, some people with mononucleosis who take one of these drugs may develop a rash. The rash doesn't necessarily mean that they're allergic to the antibiotic, however.

What foods should you avoid if you get mono and why?

This disease is sometimes referred to as the “kissing disease” because you can get it through saliva. You can also contract mono by sharing drinking glasses, eating utensils, and through sneezes and coughs....Avoid consuming things like:sugary snacks.refined white bread.white rice.white pasta.crackers.fried foods.alcohol.

How long does it take to recover from mononucleosis?

Center. It takes two to three months to completely recover from mononucleosis. Most of the people infected with mononucleosis may start to feel better within two to four weeks, but fatigue may last longer. It generally takes two to three months to completely recover from mononucleosis.

What is the most common cause of mononucleosis?

Infectious mononucleosis, also called “ mono ,” is a contagious infection most commonly caused by a herpes virus called Epstein-Barr ( EBV ). Teenagers and young adults are more commonly affected by mononucleosis. It is commonly known as the kissing disease because of the way it gets transmitted.

How long does it take for EBV to show up?

Once you are infected with the EBV, it can take four to six weeks for the symptoms to turn up. When the symptoms appear, they tend to be mild, especially in young children. Symptoms develop gradually and may not occur at once. The most common symptoms include:

Does Tylenol help with mononucleosis?

Some of the common painkillers include Aleve ( naproxen ), Tylenol ( acetaminophen ), and Advil ( ibuprofen ).

How long does mono last?

Symptoms of mono vary, and they can be mild or severe. They tend to come on gradually. If you get sick with mono, it will probably happen four to six weeks after you come in contact with EBV. These symptoms may last for four weeks or longer: Enlarged spleen or liver. Extreme fatigue.

How common is mono?

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) that causes mono is extremely common. Around 90% of Americans are infected with it by age 35. Not everyone who has the virus develops mono symptoms — some people only carry the virus.

Why is mono called the kissing disease?

Mono is sometimes called “the kissing disease” because it spreads easily through bodily fluids like saliva. For most people, mono isn’t serious, and it improves without treatment. Still, extreme fatigue, body aches and other symptoms can interfere with school, work and daily life.

What is the best medicine for enlarged spleen?

These drugs include ibuprofen (Advil®) and naproxen (Aleve®). Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) also works. Sore throat soothers: You can gargle with salt water and use throat lozenges. Avoiding sports: Physical activity can put too much pressure on an enlarged spleen, increasing the risk of rupture.

Does mono work against other viruses?

Antibiotics to fight bacterial infection and antiviral medications to kill other viruses don’t work against mono. Instead, treatments focus on helping you feel better by relieving symptoms. Your care might include: Rest: Mono makes you very tired. Sleep helps your body fight infection.

Can mono cause spleen bleed?

This gland in the upper left abdomen (belly) helps filter blood. If your spleen bursts, it can bleed into your abdomen.

Can mononucleosis cause a sore throat?

Most cases of mononucleosis (mono) don’t cause serious problems. However, symptoms like extreme fatigue, sore throat and body aches can disrupt school, work and life. Your healthcare provider can provide suggestions for finding relief. Rest and over-the-counter medications are often the best ways to ease symptoms.

What Are Symptoms of Mono?

Symptoms of mono ( infectious mononucleosis) may come on slowly and usually develop four to eight weeks after infection and may include:

What Causes Mono?

Mono ( infectious mononucleosis) is most commonly caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).

How long does it take to recover from mononucleosis?

Most people start to recover from mononucleosis within 2 weeks, though some symptoms, such as fatigue, can take 3-4 weeks or even longer to go away. So a common treatment plan for mono is rest with a gradual return to normal activity. The goal is to ease your symptoms and treat any complications that happen.

How long does it take for a monospot test to show antibodies?

This test isn’t always accurate, especially in younger children, and it takes several days for it to show the presence of the antibodies after a child starts to feel ill. The “monospot” is one test that checks for heterophile antibodies. The results of these tests are not always clear, so you may need even more tests.

Can you take aspirin with mono?

In case mono has affected your liver, check with your doctor before you take acetaminophen. Don’t give aspirin to children or teens. It’s been linked to a disease called Reye's syndrome, a serious illness that can be life-threatening. Call 911 if you or your child is having any trouble breathing.

Can you get an EBV test for mono?

You may also get an EBV test if you don’t seem to have a typical case of mono. This blood test checks for Epstein Barr virus. Doctors usually don’ t need EBV test results to diagnose mono. But it can help them find out if the Epstein Barr virus is to blame.

How long does it take for a person to get better from mononucleosis?

For some people, their liver or spleen or both may remain enlarged even after their fatigue ends. Most people get better in two to four weeks; however, some people may feel fatigued for several more weeks. Occasionally, the symptoms of infectious mononucleosis can last for six months or longer.

How long does it take for mononucleosis to show?

Typical symptoms of infectious mononucleosis usually appear four to six weeks after you get infected with EBV. Symptoms may develop slowly and may not all occur at the same time.

What is the most common cause of mononucleosis?

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is the most common cause of infectious mononucleosis, but other viruses can also cause this disease. It is common among teenagers and young adults, especially college students. At least one out of four teenagers and young adults who get infected with EBV will develop infectious mononucleosis.

Can you take penicillin for mononucleosis?

If you have infectious mononucleosis, you should not take penicillin antibiotics like ampicillin or amoxicillin. Based on the severity of the symptoms, a healthcare provider may recommend treatment of specific organ systems affected by infectious mononucleosis.

Can you test for mononucleosis?

Laboratory tests are not usually needed to diagnose infectious mononucleosis. However, specific laboratory tests may be needed to identify the cause of illness in people who do not have a typical case of infectious mononucleosis. The blood work of patients who have infectious mononucleosis due to EBV infection may show—.

Does the Epstein-Barr virus ever go away?

So your mono symptoms have improved, but are you out of the woods yet? Even after you recover from mono, the virus that most commonly causes it — EBV — stays in your body. But it goes into a state of dormancy (sleep), where it lives quietly in a few cells without causing any harm.

Treatment for mono

Scientists haven’t yet discovered a cure for mononucleosis. So treatments are focused on helping you feel as comfortable as possible while your body deals with the infection.

Is mono serious?

Some serious complications, like splenic rupture or airway compromise, can happen very quickly. And others, like hemolytic anemia or hepatitis, slowly build up over the course of your mono infection. But, whether fast or slow, they’re all dangerous.

Does mono cause chronic fatigue?

Most of the worst of your mono symptoms have improved, it’s been way past 4 weeks since it started, and you’re still tired. You’re not alone. Up to 9% to 12% of adults have had lingering symptoms of mono 6 months after a mono infection.

The bottom line

Even if it takes more than a month, rest assured that eventually mono will go away. But if you don’t do anything about it, you might feel pretty terrible while you’re waiting for it to resolve. The best thing to do is rest and take over-the-counter medications as needed to treat your symptoms.

What are the complications of mononucleosis?

Mononucleosis can also result in less common complications, including: Anemia — a decrease in red blood cells and in hemoglobin, an iron-rich protein in red blood cells. Thrombocytopenia — a low count of platelets, which are blood cells involved in clotting.

How do you know if you have mononucleosis?

Signs and symptoms of mononucleosis may include: Fatigue. Sore throat, perhaps misdiagnosed as strep throat , that doesn't get better after treatment with antibiotics. Fever. Swollen lymph nodes in your neck and armpits. Swollen tonsils. Headache. Skin rash. Soft, swollen spleen.

How does mononucleosis spread?

Mononucleosis is spread through saliva. If you're infected, you can help prevent spreading the virus to others by not kissing them and by not sharing food, dishes, glasses and utensils until several days after your fever has improved — and even longer, if possible.

How long does Epstein-Barr stay in your saliva?

And remember to wash your hands regularly to prevent spread of the virus. The Epstein-Barr virus may persist in your saliva for months after the infection. No vaccine exists to prevent mononucleosis. By Mayo Clinic Staff.

Can you get mononucleosis if you are a teenager?

You're most likely to get mononucleosis with all the signs and symptoms if you're a teen or young adult. Young children usually have few symptoms, and the infection often goes undiagnosed. If you have mononucleosis, it's important to be careful of certain complications such as an enlarged spleen.

Can you get mono from kissing?

Overview. Infectious mononucleosis (mono) is often called the kissing disease. The virus that causes mono (Epstein-Barr virus) is spread through saliva. You can get it through kissing, but you can also be exposed by sharing a glass or food utensils with someone who has mono.

How long does it take to recover from mono?

The timeline from the initial transmission of mono to a full recovery can differ significantly from person to person. In the first four to six weeks after a person catches the virus, they may not know they have it because of the long incubation period.

How many stages of mono?

Over the course of a mono infection, a person will experience three different stages of the disease. In each stage, the infection will present with different symptoms and health complications. chee gin tan / Getty Images.

What is mono in 2021?

Anju Goel, MD, MPH. Published on May 19, 2021. Mononucleosis, or mono for short, is not simply a viral infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). It means someone is infected with EBV or another virus and actually has symptoms.

What are the symptoms of stage 2 mono?

Symptoms become more pronounced. They consist of fever, inflammation or swelling in the lymph nodes, and sore throat. 2 Severe fatigue is also present at this phase. Other symptoms that could be present in those with a mono infection include: 4.

How long do symptoms of a prodrome last?

During the prodrome stage, symptoms begin to develop. They could include fatigue and malaise. These symptoms last three to five days on average. 2. In most cases, symptoms do not appear at all.

What can I do to help my body fight off a virus?

Depending on the severity of the infection, over-the-counter or prescription medications may be used to help a person cope with symptoms such as pain and fever while their body fights off the virus. Medications that help to lower inflammation can also help cope.

Can mono cause spleen pain?

This can lead to other more serious symptoms such as jaundice. 5 In extremely rare cases, mono can lead to liver failure. 6 Since the spleen can also become affected by mono, some people may experience abdominal pain. Spleen rupture has been reported.

How long does mono last?

1 According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), some people with mono may even deal with symptoms for up to six months after they first contracted the virus. 1.

How long does mono stay contagious?

Although medical professionals aren't exactly sure how long mono is contagious, some reports suggest that it can be spread to others for roughly three months after the initial transmission. 4.

How common is mono?

Mono is most common in young adults and teenagers: It is estimated that at least one out of four teenagers and young adults who get infected with EBV will develop mono. 1 Roughly 90% of Americans will have caught the virus by the time they turn 35 years old. 2. Oliver Rossi / Getty Images.

How is mono contagious?

Although mono is contagious, it is spread primarily through contact with saliva of an infected person. As soon as a person becomes infected with EBV, they can pass it on to others. Research has shown that following the initial transmission of the virus, viral loads were found in both the mouth and the blood before any symptoms appeared.

What are the symptoms of mono?

Mono may not present with any symptoms at all, especially in children. When symptoms do appear, they may include: 1 1 Fever 2 Headaches 3 Extreme fatigue 4 Rash 5 Sore throat 6 Body aches 7 Swollen liver or spleen 8 Swollen lymph nodes in the neck and armpits

How long does a fever last after an infection?

If your symptoms are particularly severe or last for longer than 10 days , you should see a healthcare provider.

Does EBV reactivate in everyone?

Although reactivation of EBV doesn't occur in everyone, some people may have a higher risk of this happening. Individuals who have a weakened immune system, for example, are more at risk of the virus reactivating than those who have a healthy immune system.

Diagnosis

• Physical exam
  Your doctor may suspect mononucleosis based on your signs and symptoms, how long they've lasted, and a physical exam. He or she will look for signs such as swollen lymph nodes, tonsils, liver or spleen, and consider how these signs relate to the symptoms you describe.

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