Treatment FAQ

what is the treatment for mono in adults

by Miss Raphaelle Altenwerth II 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

Oct 15, 2014 · Adult Mono patients with significant fatigue are treated in my practice with Intravenous Vitamin C and B vitamins to keep their immune system strong. I also provide these patients with injections of Gamma globulin- the antibodies from serum that boost immunity.

Procedures

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...

Self-care

Your doctor will do a number of blood tests to determine whether or not you have mono, and will treat you accordingly. If you do have mono, you can expect a good deal of bed rest and fluids. There is no specific treatment for mono, but rather this …

Nutrition

Infectious mononucleosis as a manifestation of primary Epstein-Barr virus infection occurs uncommonly in adults over age 40. While fever is almost universal, older patients with the disease often present without lymphadenopathy, pharyngitis, splenomegaly, lymphocytosis or …

How long does it take to recover from Mono?

Aug 13, 2019 · There’s no specific treatment for mono, but you can help ease your symptoms. Taking care of yourself with rest and at-home remedies can help make you more comfortable. Stay hydrated Drink plenty of...

What are home remedies for mono?

Mar 13, 2019 · Home care for mono Get lots of rest. This piece of advice shouldn’t be difficult to follow. Most people with mono are extremely tired. Drink lots of liquids. It’s important to stay hydrated to help fight off mono. Consider sipping warm chicken soup. It... Over-the-counter medications. Acetaminophen ...

Can mono go away untreated?

Dec 22, 2020 · 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 …

Is amoxicillin bad for treating mono?

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How long does mono last in older adults?

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 serious is mono in adults?

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

What will the doctor do for mono?

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 prescribe ibuprofen or acetaminophen for the fever, sore throat, and other discomforts of the illness.Nov 4, 2021

How long does it take to recover from mono?

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.Sep 24, 2020

What does mono feel like in adults?

You might feel more tired than usual and have a mild fever and sore throat. Your lymph nodes, tissue that normally acts as filters, may swell under your arms and in your neck and groin area. You also may have body aches and pains, swollen tonsils, headache, and even a skin rash.Mar 11, 2021

What are the four stages of mono?

In the first four to six weeks after a person gets mono, they may not even know they have it....RecapMono has an incubation period that lasts from four to six weeks.The prodrome phase can last between three to five days.The acute phase can last up to six weeks.The recovery period can last up to six months.Nov 16, 2021

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 should you not do when you have mono?

So doctors recommend that teens who have mono avoid contact sports for at least a month after symptoms are gone. Don't do any strenuous activities until your doctor says it's OK. In most cases, mono symptoms go away in a matter of weeks with plenty of rest and fluids.

How serious is mono?

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. With mono, you might feel sick for about a month.Aug 3, 2020

What is the fastest way to get rid of mono?

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 contagious is mono in adults?

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. However, mononucleosis isn't as contagious as some infections, such as the common cold.Dec 22, 2020

How long can you be 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.

Why is mono considered a disease?

Mono has the reputation for being the “Kissing Disease” because amongst the teenage and collegiate ages it is most commonly transmitted through saliva. A person can be exposed to the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) by kissing, sharing eating utensils, or drinking from the same glass as a person who has mono.

What is mononucleosis in adults?

Mononucleosis in Adults: What to Expect and How to Cope. [updated January 2020] Infectious Mononucleosis, or more commonly known as “Mono”, is a viral infection most commonly due to the Epstein-Barr virus (although it can be due to Cytomegalovirus (CMV) as well). In fact, the Epstein-Barr virus ...

Is mono a good thing?

Mono in Adults . Now, most adults, whether they ever developed full-blown Mononucleosis or never had any known symptoms, typically have protective antibodies to the Epstein-Barr virus. This is a good thing because if you have antibodies to the Epstein-Barr virus you should be immune to being infected and becoming sick.

Did Robin Soderling recover from Mono?

Fortunately, he was diagnosed and gave his body some extra time to recover. Robin Soderling, a Swedish top-ranked tennis player wasn’t as fortunate. He developed Mono and the fatigue he developed never improved and his tennis career was cut short in his early thirties: the prime of his career.

Can everyone get mono?

And not everyone who has the virus develops mono symptoms – many people only carry the virus. Most people get the virus as early school-age children or around adolescence/young adulthood; but, anyone can get it, no matter their age.

Do monos have the same symptoms as teens?

Unlike the youngsters, adults with Mono often don’t have the same presenting symptoms of an acute, severe sore throat and swollen lymph glands in the neck.

Can mono cause stomach pain?

Adults with Mono can experience chronic stomach pain and fatigue of insidious onset. The adult form of mononucleosis caused by the Epstein-Barr virus is different from the disease in children and adolescents.

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 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 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.

Can you get Epstein-Barr after mono?

The Epstein-Barr virus stays in your body in an inactive form even after mono symptoms go away. But most people develop mono only once. If EBV reactivates, it rarely causes symptoms. However, you may unknowingly spread the reactivated virus to others.

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.

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.

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.

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—.

What are the symptoms of mono?

An adult with mono will experience the same symptoms that a child or teenager will experience, including fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes and tonsils, headaches, lack of energy and loss of appetite. They may also experience jaundice, stiffness of the neck, a rapid heart rate, and shortness of breath. The major symptoms will usually last ...

How long does mono last?

They may also experience jaundice, stiffness of the neck, a rapid heart rate, and shortness of breath. The major symptoms will usually last for two to four weeks, but a full recovery for an adult may take months. Adult mono symptoms are more severe than they are for children and teenagers.

How long does mono take to get you back on your feet?

In most cases of mono you can be back on your feet again in under a month, and if you look after yourself properly you can be up and about again within a couple of weeks.

Can mono cause spleen problems?

The major problem with mono is that it can cause problems with the spleen. The spleen can swell to two or three times its normal size. This happens in about fifty percent of people with mono. Doctors recommend mono patients avoid heavy lifting and contact sports for three to four weeks after becoming ill with mono.

Is mono a bad flu?

In many cases mono can seem like another bad case of the flu that just drags on too long. If you have even mildly swollen armpits, a sore throat or tonsillitis and feel tired all the time with something you just can't shake off, it's worth getting a mono test.

Can you get mono when you are an adult?

Mono is usually associated with teenagers and college students, but if you didn't catch it then and have teenagers in ...

Can you get back on your feet with mono?

If you do have mono, you can expect a good deal of bed rest and fluids. There is no specific treatment for mono, but rather this virus requires time to help you to get back on your feet. There are many alternative treatments that some people recommend, and these can be explored if they interest you.

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 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 is the best medicine to help with a fever?

These medications won’t get rid of the virus, but they can help make you more comfortable: aspirin (but don’t give it to children and teens) acetaminophen (Tylenol) ibuprofen (Advil)

Can you get mono from kissing?

You can get mono in more ways than just kissing someone. You may not be able to prevent getting this viral illness. Mono is contagious even if you don’t have symptoms. You may not know you have it. Once you have symptoms, help your recovery and avoid transmitting mono to others by staying home.

What is the best treatment for mono?

Once your doctor has confirmed you have mono, you may be prescribed certain medications such as a corticosteroid. A corticosteroid will help reduce inflammation and swelling in your lymph nodes, tonsils, and airway.

How long does mono last?

Mono usually lasts for a month or two.

How long after mono can you exercise?

Avoid strenuous activities. Do not participate in strenuous activities like sports or weight lifting for four to six weeks after you’ve been diagnosed. Mono can affect your spleen, and vigorous activity can cause it to rupture.

What are the complications of mono?

complications of mono. enlargement of the spleen. liver problems, including hepatitis and related jaundice. anemia. inflammation of the heart muscle. meningitis and encephalitis. In addition, recent evidence indicates that mono can trigger certain autoimmune diseases, including: lupus. rheumatoid arthritis.

What causes mononucleosis?

Mononucleosis is usually caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. This virus infects about 95 percent of the world’s population at some point Most people have become infected with it by the time they’re 30 years old. However, different viruses can cause infectious mononucleosis too, including: HIV.

Is mono common?

The bottom line. Mono is very common. Although many people get it at some point in their lifetimes, there’s unfortunately no vaccine against it. You can help prevent spreading mono when you’re ill by not sharing your food or eating utensils, and of course, by not kissing others until you’ve fully recovered.

Can you get mono at any age?

Infectious mononucleosis, also called “mono” for short, commonly affects adolescents and young adults. However, anyone can get it, at any age. This viral disease leaves you feeling tired, feverish, weak, and achy.

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.

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Symptoms

Transmission

Prevention & Treatment

Diagnosing Infectious Mononucleosis

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:

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Specialist to consult

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

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