Treatment FAQ

how long is treatment for mono

by Nick Spinka Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

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.Nov 4, 2021

Medication

Sep 16, 2021 · Some people can recover from “mono” (infectious mononucleosis) completely within one to four weeks, and experience fatigue for several weeks. In rare cases, mono can cause last for six months or more.

Procedures

Nov 04, 2021 · 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 ...

Self-care

Apr 20, 2022 · Most 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. Make sure the patient gets proper rest for fast healing. Occasionally, the symptoms of mononucleosis can last for six months or longer.

Nutrition

Nov 16, 2021 · On average, the prodrome phase lasts three to five days, while the acute phase can last up to six weeks. The final recovery stage can go on for up to six months. In general, mono can impact an individual for up to 10 months. Mono has been linked to certain cancers and autoimmune disorders.

How long does mono last for?

Jan 10, 2022 · While there’s no cure for mononucleosis (mono), there are many treatments to minimize uncomfortable symptoms. Mono symptoms eventually go away, but in some cases it can be contagious for up to 6 months or more. The virus that commonly causes it — Epstein-Barr virus — remains in the body forever without causing symptoms.

Is there a cure for mono?

Jun 01, 2021 · If you do have mono and recovery is taking longer than three months, you should also make an appointment to see your healthcare provider. This is because when mono lasts that long, the symptoms are typically associated with a condition known as …

How long does it take to recover from infectious mononucleosis?

People are definitely contagious while they have symptoms, which can last 2–4 weeks or even longer. Health experts aren't sure how long people with mono stay contagious after symptoms are gone, but it seems they can spread the infection for months after that. Then, the virus stays dormant (inactive) in the body for the rest of a person's life.

How long does it take for mono to spread?

image

How long does mono last with treatment?

Most people get better in two to four weeks; however, some people may feel fatigued for several more weeks.

How long does it take to clear mono?

Most signs and symptoms of mononucleosis ease within a few weeks, but it may be two to three months before you feel completely normal. The more rest you get, the sooner you should recover. Returning to your usual schedule too soon can increase the risk of a relapse.Dec 22, 2020

How long do you stay home for mono?

On average, most people with mono are contagious for around 6 months. In some cases, it could be contagious for up to 18 months. During this time frame, anyone with mono can pass the infection on to others. Mono is more common in teenagers and young adults, particularly students in college.May 26, 2020

Can you fully get rid of mono?

Like the common cold, a virus causes mono. Similarly, there's no specific treatment for mono. This infection is usually less contagious than a cold. However, mono symptoms can last longer.Aug 13, 2019

Can you get mono from stress?

Can mono come back with stress? Chronic stress can weaken your immune system, so it's possible that this could be one trigger leading to a bout of recurrent mono.

What are the stages of mono?

Mono is a contagious illness that is usually caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. Mono has three stages: a prodrome, an acute stage, and a convelescent (recovery) stage.Nov 16, 2021

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.Dec 22, 2020

Can I run with mono?

Typically, a mono patient should not return to strenuous exercise or contact sports for a minimum of one, and sometimes two, months. Regardless, sports should not be resumed until cleared by the medical provider.

Can I get mono twice?

I thought that once you got mono you couldn't get it again. Most people who have mono (infectious mononucleosis) will have it only once. But rarely, mononucleosis symptoms may recur months or even years later. Most cases of mononucleosis are caused by infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).Dec 29, 2020

Can I drink alcohol with mono?

Drinking alcohol comes with plenty of health risks as it is. But it's especially important for anyone who has mono — or thinks they might — not to drink. That's because mono and alcohol each affect the liver. A person who has mono and drinks could end up with liver damage.

Is mono viral or bacterial?

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.Aug 3, 2020

Is mono painful?

Mono may begin slowly with fatigue, a general ill feeling, headache, and sore throat. The sore throat slowly gets worse. Your tonsils become swollen and develop a whitish-yellow covering. Often, the lymph nodes in the neck are swollen and painful.

How long does mono last?

Some people may continue to feel fatigue for several more weeks. Rarely, symptoms of mono last six months or more.

How to diagnose mono?

Mono (infectious mononucleosis) is diagnosed with a patient history and physical examination. The diagnosis is often based on symptoms and lab tests are generally not needed.

Why are antibiotics not used for mono?

Antibiotics are not used to treat mono, because it is caused by a virus. There are currently no antiviral medications that are effective to treat or cure Epstein-Barr virus.

What is mono caused by?

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

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.

Is Epstein-Barr a contagious disease?

About Infectious Mononucleosis. Infectious mononucleosis, also called “mono,” is a contagious disease. 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.

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—.

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 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.

Is mononucleosis hard to diagnose?

Mononucleosis, or "mono," has a wide range of symptoms, which can make it hard to diagnose. You’ll need to see your doctor to find out if you have it.

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 take acetaminophen for mono?

In addition to rest, your doctor may prescribe ibuprofen or acetaminophen for the fever , sore throat, and other discomforts of the illness. In case mono has affected your liver, check with your doctor before you take acetaminophen.

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.

How do mono viruses spread?

Viruses that cause mono are very contagious. You can pick them up through contact with an infected person’s bodily fluids, including saliva. These viruses spread through:

What causes mono?

Over 90% of mono cases are caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. Other viruses and certain infections may also bring on the illness. The symptoms can develop because of:

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 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.

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:

Is there a cure for mononucleosis?

There isn’t a vaccine or cure for mononucleosis. Antibiotics or antiviral medicines may not work against mononucleosis. Management of mononucleosis includes:

What is the treatment for mono?

In severe cases of mono, different treatments may be needed. With some cases, doctors may prescribe a steroid medication called a corticosteroid. 10

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.

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.

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.

How long does stage 3 of a symtom last?

Typically, most of the symptoms have subsided by this stage. However, fatigue and weakness can still linger. This stage can last anywhere from three to six months. 8.

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.

Why do people get mono?

Here's how it works: Mono, or mononucleosis, usually is caused by an infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). People who have mono can be contagious from the time they first become infected. But they may not know that they have the virus.

How long does EBV last?

People are definitely contagious while they have symptoms, which can last 2–4 weeks or even longer .

Is mono contagious?

The way mono works in the body is tricky, so lots of people are confused about how long it is contagious. If you get mono, the virus stays in your body for life. That doesn't mean that you're always contagious . But the virus can surface from time to time and risk infecting someone else.

image

Symptoms

Transmission

Prevention & Treatment

Diagnosing Infectious Mononucleosis

Medically reviewed by
Dr. Karthikeya T M
Your provider will work with you to develop a care plan that may include one or more of these treatment options.
The infection generally clears without any treatment within a few weeks. Self care measures and medications are prescribed to ease the symptoms.
Medication

Antibiotics: Are not used to treat viral infections, but are prescribed to treat accompanying infections of the throat, sinuses, and tonsils.

Penicillin


Analgesics: For mild to moderate pain.

Ibuprofen


Antipyretics: Used to bring down the temperature and treat fever.

Acetaminophen

Procedures

Splenectomy: It is performed in case of a ruptured spleen.

Self-care

Always talk to your provider before starting anything.

  • Rest and fluid diet are recommended
  • Take some time before you get back to your strenuous routine
  • Avoid lifting weights or sports for a few months or until spleen returns to normal
  • Stay at home until the doctor advices to gradually return to the routine
  • Seek help from family and friends during recovery

Nutrition

Foods to eat:

  • Drink plenty of water and fruit juices. Fluids help to relieve fever and sore throat; and prevent dehydration.

Foods to avoid:

NA

Specialist to consult

Primary care physician
Specializes in the acute and chronic illnesses and provides preventive care and health.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9