Treatment FAQ

what is the treatment for mono

by Lloyd Swift Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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There's no specific therapy available to treat infectious mononucleosis. Antibiotics don't work against viral infections such as mono. Treatment mainly involves taking care of yourself, such as getting enough rest, eating a healthy diet and drinking plenty of fluids.Dec 22, 2020

Medication

Nov 04, 2021 · 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. In addition to rest, your doctor may...

Procedures

Aug 13, 2019 · Home remedies Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water, fruit juice, herbal tea, soup, and broth. Fluids help bring down a fever and... Over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Use OTC pain relievers to help bring down a fever and ease headaches and muscle... Throat gargles. Throat gargles can help soothe a ...

Self-care

Infectious mononucleosis is considered a self-limited illness, but it may result in serious complications involving the pulmonary, ophthalmologic, neurologic and hematologic systems. Treatment is focused on managing the symptoms, unless more severe disease involving other organ systems occurs.

Nutrition

Epstein-Barr virus, frequently referred to as EBV, is a member of the herpesvirus family and one of the most common human viruses. When infection with EBV occurs during adolescence or young adulthood, it causes infectious mononucleosis 35% to 50% of the time.

What would happen if Mono is left untreated?

Dec 22, 2020 · 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. Rest and enough fluids are keys to recovery.

Can you treat mono, and how long does it last?

Oct 05, 2021 · Home remedies to relieve symptoms of mono may include: Getting plenty of rest Avoid contact sports until you fully recover Mono may enlarge the spleen and strenuous activities... Avoid contact sports until you fully recover Mono may enlarge the spleen and strenuous activities may cause the spleen... ...

What are home remedies for mono?

May 11, 2021 · Symptomatic Epstein-Barr infections are generally in the form of infectious mononucleosis, the treatment for which is over-the-counter fever and pain medications, hydration, and rest. visualspace / Getty When someone is first infected with EBV in childhood, they usually have no symptoms.

Can mono go away untreated?

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How do you cure mono fast?

Home remediesStay hydrated. Drink plenty of water, fruit juice, herbal tea, soup, and broth. ... Over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Use OTC pain relievers to help bring down a fever and ease headaches and muscle aches. ... Throat gargles. ... Cool down a fever. ... Rest. ... Boost your immune system. ... Supplements.Aug 13, 2019

How long does mono take to heal?

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 the best medicine for mono?

Acetaminophen is the most commonly advised pain reliever for mononucleosis, but (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin can also be used.Apr 6, 2021

How long is a person contagious with mono?

How Long Is Mono Infectious? Unfortunately, it is possible to transmit the disease even before symptoms arise, during the incubation period. This can last for about four to seven weeks. In most cases, the person then remains infectious for several weeks longer.

Is mono serious?

It most commonly occurs in adolescents and young adults. In general, mononucleosis is not considered a serious illness. However, mononucleosis can lead to significant loss of time from school or work due to profound fatigue and, on rare occasion, can cause severe or even life-threatening illness.Apr 5, 2021

Is mono a STD?

In cases where it is passed through sexual contact, mono can be considered a sexually transmitted disease (STD), although mono is more often spread through contact with saliva. EBV is a member of the herpes virus family, along with the viruses that cause herpes and chickenpox.Jan 20, 2022

What are the stages of mono?

Mono has three stages: a prodrome, an acute stage, and a convelescent (recovery) stage. Because mono has a long incubation period, it can be difficult to determine when the illness actually began. On average, the prodrome phase lasts three to five days, while the acute phase can last up to six weeks.Nov 16, 2021

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

What should you not do with mono?

Mono can cause your spleen to enlarge, making it prone to injury. To reduce the risk of injuring your spleen, avoid heavy lifting and contact sports for several weeks after you become ill with mono (or until a doctor tells you it is okay). If you know you have mono, you should not donate blood.

How did I get mono without kissing?

While the most common way for the virus to spread is, indeed, through saliva, you don't have to kiss someone with an active strain of it in order to contract it. It can also be transmitted by activities like sharing drinks and using another person's utensils, or through blood and other bodily fluids.

What causes mono to flare up?

What causes mono flare ups? Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) causes mono infections and remains in your body for your whole life. EBV is actually a member of the herpes virus family — EBV is also called human herpesvirus 4.

Does mono go away on its own?

Mononucleosis (mono) is a viral infection that causes a sore throat and fever. Cases often happen in teens and young adults. It goes away on its own after a few weeks of rest.

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.

What test do you get for strep throat?

Your doctor will give you a complete physical exam. You may get a throat cultureto rule out strep throat, which has symptoms that are similar to mono. Your doctor may also take a sample of bloodto check for abnormal white blood cells. You may also get a heterophile antibody test.

What to do if you have a sore throat and you can't breathe?

If your sore throat is so severe that you have trouble breathing or eating, your doctor may give you prednisone, a steroid. Since your spleen, which is an organ in your abdomen, often becomes enlarged when you have mono, it’s more likely to rupture.

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.

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.

What does EBV show in blood work?

The blood work of patients who have infectious mononucleosis due to EBV infection may show—. more white blood cells (lymphocytes) than normal. unusual looking white blood cells (atypical lymphocytes) fewer than normal neutrophils or platelets. abnormal liver function.

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.

How does EBV spread?

Typically, these viruses spread most commonly through bodily fluids, especially saliva . However, these viruses can also spread through blood and semen during sexual contact, blood transfusions, and organ transplantations.

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.

How to get rid of mono?

It’s very important to rest and relax if you have mono. Stay home from work or school. Cancel your appointments. Resting helps your body recover and prevent any complications. Not going out also helps prevent transmitting the virus to others.

How do you get mono?

Mono ( mononucleosis) is also called infectious mononucleosis. 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. Some kinds of mono are also transmitted through blood and other bodily fluids.

How long does it take for a sore throat to go away?

Symptoms may last for only a few days to two to six weeks. Here are some common symptoms and their usual duration: A fever and sore throat may last for about two weeks. Muscle aches and fatigue may last for two to four weeks. An enlarged spleen may take up to eight weeks to go back to normal.

How long does it take for a spleen to heal from mono?

An enlarged spleen may take up to eight weeks to go back to normal. Mono may make you feel unwell for up to two months. However, it’s considered rare for symptoms to last longer than six weeks. Rare complications of mono, like an injured or ruptured spleen, can take up to three months to heal.

What is the spleen in a mono infection?

The spleen is an organ in your abdomen that stores and filters blood. Almost half of people with a mono infection have an enlarged spleen. Enlarged spleen symptoms include: left side abdomen pain. back pain. feeling full. fatigue. shortness of breath.

What are the symptoms of mono?

Treating symptoms. Treatment usually involves treating symptoms like fever or a sore throat. Mono can cause a person to be prone to secondary bacterial infections. In this case, antibiotics can treat a bacterial: sinus infection. strep infection. tonsil infection.

What causes a spleen to burst?

Working out, lifting something heavy, or other strenuous activity can cause the spleen to burst. Wait until you’ve fully recovered from mono before getting back to your normal activities. Call 911 or go to an emergency room if you feel a sudden, sharp pain in your left, upper side. It may a sign of a ruptured spleen.

What is the cause of mononucleosis?

Infectious mononucleosis is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and most commonly affects young adults from 15 to 35 years of age. The diagnosis is made by accurate assessment of clinical, hematologic and serologic manifestations of the illness. Manifestations include the classic triad of fever, ….

What is the cause of infectious mononucleosis?

Infectious mononucleosis is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and most commonly affects young adults from 15 to 35 years of age. The diagnosis is made by accurate assessment of clinical, hematologic and serologic manifestations of the illness. Manifestations include the classic triad of fever, …. Infectious mononucleosis is caused by the ...

Is infectious mononucleosis a self-limited disease?

Infectious mononucleosis is considered a self-limited illness, but it may result in serious complications involving the pulmonary, ophthalmologic, neurologic and hematologic systems. Treatment is focused on managing the symptoms, unless more severe disease involving other organ systems occurs.

What are the symptoms of infectious mononucleosis?

Infectious Mononucleosis (“Mono”) Typical symptoms of infectious mononucleosis include—. extreme fatigue. fever. sore throat. head and body aches. swollen lymph nodes in the neck and armpits. swollen liver or spleen or both. rash.

How does EBV spread?

It spreads primarily through saliva. EBV can cause infectious mononucleosis, also called mono, and other illnesses. Most people will get infected with EBV in their lifetime and will not have any symptoms. Mono caused by EBV is most common among teens and adults.

What is the most common human virus?

Epstein-Barr and Infectious Mononucleosis (Mono) | CDC. Epstein-Barr Virus and Infectious Mononucleosis. minus. Related Pages. Epstein-Barr virus, or EBV, is one of the most common human viruses in the world. It spreads primarily through saliva. EBV can cause infectious mononucleosis, also called mono, and other illnesses.

Is mono caused by EBV?

Mono caused by EBV is most common among teens and adults. Describes the virus, symptoms of EBV infection, how EBV is spread, diagnosis. Describes the illness, its symptoms, how it spreads, treatment and prevention. Describes infectious mononucleosis and other illnesses and complications caused by EBV infection.

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.

What causes a spleen to enlarge?

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.

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.

How long does it take for a rash to appear?

Skin rash. Soft, swollen spleen. The virus has an incubation period of about four to six weeks, although in young children this period may be shorter. The incubation period refers to how long before your symptoms appear after being exposed to the virus.

What is a low platelet count?

Thrombocytopenia — a low count of platelets, which are blood cells involved in clotting. Heart problems — an inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis) Complications involving the nervous system — meningitis, encephalitis and Guillain-Barre syndrome. Swollen tonsils — which can block breathing.

How long does it take for mono to show up?

Typical mono symptoms don’t show up until four–six weeks after the initial viral infection.

What is the treatment for Epstein-Barr?

Symptomatic Epstein-Barr infections are generally in the form of infectious mononucleosis, the treatment for which is over-the-counter fever and pain medications, hydration, and rest. When someone is first infected with EBV in childhood, they usually have no symptoms.

What is the most common virus in humans?

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is one of the most common infections in humans. This infection is active worldwide, and somewhere around 95% of people get infected with this virus during their lifetimes. 1 EBV is also known as human herpesvirus 4. EBV infection usually doesn’t cause symptoms and, therefore, often isn't treated.

How does EBV become chronic?

EBV becomes chronic when the patient’s immune system can’t control the virus. Their white blood cells become infected, and the levels of the virus in their blood stay high. Patients typically have fevers and swollen lymph nodes, spleen, and liver, as well as lowered blood cell counts.

How long does a rash last?

Rash. Symptoms can last anywhere from two to four weeks but may last six months or longer or cause other complications. 2. Uncommon symptoms of infectious mononucleosis include an enlarged spleen or swollen liver lasting long after other symptoms have cleared. 3.

How long does Epstein-Barr last?

They may worsen and cause long-term complications, or the virus may reappear when the person's immune system is weakened. If the illness lasts longer than six months , it is called chronic active Epstein-Barr virus (CAEBV)—a rare syndrome that can be deadly. 6. EBV becomes chronic when the patient’s immune system can’t control the virus.

What is the best treatment for CAEBV?

The best treatment can do is ease symptoms and the conditions caused by the infection. 7. When a patient has CAEBV, the only real treatment is a stem cell transplant to repair the immune system, helping the body fight off the virus. But even if the transplant is successful, it's possible the virus can return.

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Diagnosis

Treatment

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

Coping and Support

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.

Preparing For Your Appointment

Symptoms

  • There's no specific therapy available to treat infectious mononucleosis. Antibiotics don't work against viral infections such as mono. Treatment mainly involves taking care of yourself, such as getting enough rest, eating a healthy diet and drinking plenty of fluids. You may take over-the-counter pain relievers to treat a fever or sore throat.
See more on mayoclinic.org

Transmission

  • Besides getting plenty of rest, these steps can help relieve symptoms of mononucleosis: 1. Drink plenty of water and fruit juices.Fluids help relieve a fever and sore throat and prevent dehydration. 2. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. Use pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) as needed. These medicines have no antiviral prop…
See more on mayoclinic.org

Prevention & Treatment

  • Mononucleosis can last weeks, keeping you at home as you recover. Be patient with your body as it fights the infection. For young people, having mononucleosis will mean some missed activities — classes, team practices and parties. Without a doubt, you'll need to take it easy for a while. Students need to let their schools know they are recovering from mononucleosis and may need …
See more on mayoclinic.org

Diagnosing Infectious Mononucleosis

  • If you suspect you have mononucleosis, see your family doctor. Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment and know what to expect from your doctor.
See more on mayoclinic.org

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