Medication
Your doctor may recommend a gradual exercise program to help you rebuild your strength as you recover. Coping and support. 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.
Procedures
Vinegar Honey Tea for Mono
- 1 tablespoon raw apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 6 ounces hot water
- Mix together in a mug and drink liberally.
Self-care
To help with recovery:
- It's important for someone who has mono to rest and get plenty of fluids.
- Over-the-counter or prescription medications may help with symptoms such as pain and fever. However, acetaminophen should be used with caution because of the increased risk of liver complications.
- Medications that help with inflammation may be used. 2
Nutrition
What Doctors Want You to Know About Recovering From Mononucleosis
- When You Still Have Symptoms, Focus on Rest and Getting Fluids. ...
- For 1 to 2 Months After Symptoms Go Away, Take It Easy. Mono symptoms will likely clear up in a month or less. ...
- Can You Work When You Have Mono? And Other FAQs. ...
Can you treat mono, and how long does it last?
What are some remedies for mono?
How do you get over Mono?
What is the recovery time for mono?
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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.
How long does it take mono to go away?
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 mono and is it curable?
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.
Can mono go away without treatment?
“Mono,” short for infectious mononucleosis, is a contagious infection that can cause fever, sore throat, fatigue, and enlarged lymph nodes in the neck. Mononucleosis is usually not a serious illness and it typically goes away on its own with home care within one to four weeks without complications.
How serious is having mono?
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.
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.
What are the four stages of mono?
The timeline can vary between individuals. The first stage (prodrome) can last up to two weeks. The second stage of mono (acute phase) can last up to six weeks. The final and third stage of mono (convalescent stage), can last several months.
Can I go to work 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 is mono treated in adults?
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.
What causes mono to flare up?
Mono can recur because the body does not get rid of the virus even after the symptoms of the infection disappear. 3 Once a person becomes infected with mono, EBV stays in their body for life by remaining in tissues and immune cells. While the body still carries the virus, it is dormant.
How do people get mono?
Mono, or infectious mononucleosis, is caused by an infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). EBV spreads through direct contact with saliva (spit). This can happen by sharing eating utensils, drinks, and even things like lip gloss, lipstick, or lip balm.
What is mono fatigue like?
Mono symptom #1: exhaustion Fatigue is probably the most well-known symptom of mono. "It feels like your body is moving in slow motion," says Shanna Levine, M.D., an internist at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York.
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.
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.
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.
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—.
How long does mono last?
Symptoms usually last from 2-6 weeks and it is contagious. There is no drug or other easy treatment for mono.
What is mononucleosis caused by?
Mono, technically mononucleosis, can be caused by the Epstein-Barr virus or cytomegalovirus (CMV)— both strains of the herpes virus. It is spread through direct contact with the saliva of an infected person, which has earned it the nickname "the kissing disease.".
Can mono cause strep?
Because of a sore throat, it is easy to at first think your mono is actually strep. But unlike strep, which is caused by the Streptococcus bacteria, mono is caused by a virus and cannot be treated with antibiotics. Talk to your doctor if your sore throat doesn't get better after taking antibiotics. [3]
Can mono be treated with antivirals?
Antibiotics help your body destroy bacterial infections, but mono is caused by a virus. It is also not usually treated with antivirals. [13] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source.
Can you catch mono again?
Although some say mono is a one time deal, it is not. You can catch mono again and again, by either catching the EBV virus, CMV virus, or both at the same time.
What is the cause of mononucleosis?
Mononucleosis, or more properly, infectious mononucleosis, is caused by the Epstein Barr virus, a herpes virus related to the agents that cause cold sores and chicken pox. Most people get mono at some point in their lives.
How old do you have to be to get mono?
The incidence is greatest among young people between the ages of 15 and 24, but it can occur in young children. Often the disease is so mild that youngsters don’t even know they’re infected. The annual incidence of mono in those younger than 10 or older than 30 is less than one case per 1,000 persons. The virus remains in the body ...
Can you get sick from mono?
The older you are when you first catch mono, the worse your symptoms can become. Some people, who are run down or whose immune systems are depressed, can get quite sick. Symptoms typically include fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes and spleen, and exhaustion.
Can you share food with mono?
In addition to treatment, be sure to thoroughly wash the dishes and utensils used by people with mono – and don’t share food with them. The virus is readily passed through saliva, which is how mono earned its nickname, “the kissing disease.”.
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.
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.
Diagnosis
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
Coping and Support
Preparing For Your Appointment
