Medication
Mononucleosis 1 WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Mononucleosis (mono) is an infection caused by a virus. 2 DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS: 3 Call 911 for any of the following: You have shortness of breath... 4 Return to the emergency department if: You have severe pain in your abdomen or shoulder. 5 Contact your healthcare provider if: Your...
Procedures
Common symptoms — It may take four to eight weeks after exposure to the virus for the first symptoms (body aches, headache, low-grade fever) to appear. The most common mono symptoms include: Some people have all of these symptoms while others have only one or two symptoms, such as sore throat or fever and enlarged lymph nodes.
Self-care
As for when to go back into the office, if someone feels up to going back to work, they should do so if they feel well enough. “Mono is not spread by casual contact so there is no reason to stay out of work due to concerns about contagion,” says Dr. Johannsen. But I’m the lead on this really big project coming up.
Nutrition
Don’t kiss or share personal items like toothbrushes, utensils, food, straws, or glasses with anyone that you suspect has mono. Keep yourself healthy. Eat a nutritious diet, exercise daily, and sleep for at least six to eight hours nightly.
When to go to the emergency room for mono?
How long does it take for mono symptoms to appear?
When should you go back to work if you have mono?
What should I do if I think I have mono?
How long do you have to wait after mono?
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.
How long after an infectious mononucleosis infection will the involved antibodies remain detectable?
Early antigen (EA) Anti-EA IgG appears in the acute phase of illness and generally falls to undetectable levels after three to six months. In many people, detection of antibody to EA is a sign of active infection. However, 20% of healthy people may have antibodies against EA for years.
When should you be concerned with mono?
Get medical care right away if you have severe belly pain or blurry vision, if you feel lightheaded or confused, or if you pass out. You could have a ruptured spleen. Talk to your doctor if: You have mono symptoms for longer than 10 days or you have a severe sore throat for more than a day or two.
What treatment should someone with infectious mononucleosis follow?
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.
How do you know if EBV is reactivated?
Diagnosing Epstein-Barr Reactivation with An Integrative Doctor. EBV infection can be confirmed with a blood test that detects antibodies, however, since about nine out of ten of adults have these antibodies from a past infection, it's generally only when they're elevated that indicates a reactivation of the virus.
What is considered a high EBV IgG level?
According to the manufacturer's recommendations, EBNA-1 IgG levels <5 U/ml were considered negative, levels between 5–20 U/ml were considered equivocal, and levels ≥20 U/ml were considered positive. VCA IgG levels <20 U/ml were considered negative and VCA IgG levels ≥20 U/ml were considered positive.
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 Epstein-Barr the same as mono?
Epstein-Barr is the virus that causes mononucleosis. You might know this disease better by its nickname, "mono." It's also called the "kissing disease" because of one way you can spread it to someone else. Even though Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) isn't a household name, you've probably been infected without knowing it.
How long do liver enzymes stay elevated after mono?
Alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and bilirubin levels peak 5-14 days after onset, and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) levels peak at 1-3 weeks after onset. Occasionally, GGT levels remain mildly elevated for as long as 12 months, but most liver function test results are normal within 3 months.
How long is spleen enlarged 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.
Can you reactivate mono?
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). Once you're infected with EBV, you carry the virus — usually in a dormant state — for the rest of your life. Sometimes, however, the virus may reactivate.
What is the difference between mononucleosis and infectious mononucleosis?
Infectious mononucleosis is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). A variant of mononucleosis that is milder than EBV infectious mononucleosis is caused by the cytomegalovirus (CMV).
How long does it take to recover from mononucleosis?
Wait to return to sports and some other activities. 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.
How do you know if you have mononucleosis?
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.
What does mononucleosis mean for young people?
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 special considerations to keep up with their work.
What test is done to check for Epstein-Barr?
Antibody tests. If there's a need for additional confirmation, a monospot test may be done to check your blood for antibodies to the Epstein-Barr virus. This screening test gives results within a day. But it may not detect the infection during the first week of the illness.
How long should you wait to get your spleen to bleed?
To help you avoid the risk of rupturing your spleen, your doctor may suggest that you wait about one month before returning to vigorous activities, heavy lifting, roughhousing or contact sports. Rupture of the spleen results in severe bleeding and is a medical emergency.
Can a streptococcal infection go with mononucleosis?
Treating secondary infections and other complications. A streptococcal (strep) infection sometimes goes along with the sore throat of mononucleosis. You may also develop a sinus infection or an infection of your tonsils (tonsillitis). If so, you may need treatment with antibiotics for these accompanying bacterial infections.
Do antibiotics help with mono?
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.
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 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.
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 mono?
Rest — Mono can cause severe fatigue, although most people recover within two to four weeks. For some, significant tiredness lasts for weeks to months. Early in the infection, it is important to get adequate rest, although complete bed rest is not necessary. Diet — Feeling ill often causes a loss of appetite.
Why is mono not helpful?
Antibiotics (which are used to treat bacterial infections) are not helpful because a virus causes mono. There are no antiviral medications that are known to treat or cure Epstein-Barr virus effectively.
How does mononucleosis spread?
Infectious mononucleosis is caused by acquiring the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which can spread from person to person through contact with saliva. Thus, a person can be exposed to the virus by kissing, sharing eating utensils, or drinking from the same glass as a person who has mono.
What organ is enlarged in mono?
Enlargement of the spleen — The spleen is an organ in the left upper abdomen, just under the diaphragm ( figure 1 ). It becomes enlarged in about half of people with mono. If the spleen becomes enlarged, doctors recommend avoiding contact sports or heavy lifting for a few weeks.
How long can you not play sports after a stroke?
Experts generally recommend that athletes not participate in contact or vigorous sport activities for at least the first three to four weeks of the illness. Your health care provider should determine when it is safe for you to participate in strenuous activities or contact sports.
Is mononucleosis a serious illness?
It most commonly occurs in adolescents and young adults. In general, mononucleosis is not considered a serious illness.
Do children develop symptoms of Epstein-Barr?
Most young children who become infected with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) do not develop symptoms. In contrast, people who are first exposed to EBV as adolescents or adults are more likely to develop symptomatic infection; this is due to the way their immune systems respond to the virus at older ages.
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.
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.
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 mono last?
Mono symptoms can last anywhere from a couple of weeks to a month , and (for teens and adults) resemble a severe cold or flu. Since mono is caused by a viral infection, antibiotics and other drugs don’t treat the cause of the illness — so medication won’t necessarily make the mono go away faster.
What happens if you have mono?
If you or someone you love has been sidelined by mononucleosis, aka mono, getting lots of rest and taking good care of yourself will be key to feeling better and recovering sooner. Mono is a very common illness caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) that can leave teens and adults feeling like they’re fighting the worst cold or flu they’ve ever had.
What does Dr. Balfour say about mono?
Balfour also advises letting your coworkers as well as your supervisor know that you have mono so that your colleagues can understand why you need to rest.
How long should I exercise after mono?
In addition to skipping contact sports, don’t engage in heavy lifting or vigorous exercise for at least a month or more after recovering from mono. (For kids, that means no roughhousing with siblings at home either). Try some exercise.
What happens if you resume your normal activities too soon?
If you try to resume your normal activities too soon, you could end up prolonging your illness and hindering your recovery process. “Listen to your body,” suggests Balfour. “Each person is different; do as much as you can.”. Plan for your downtime.
Is it hard to recover from mono?
Recovering from mono can be particularly difficult for teens and young adults who aren’t used to being sick, extremely fatigued, and resting for large chunks of their days. “Young adults are psychologically not used to being tired,” says Ramilo. Getting the right support can help you cope as you heal.
Can mono make you sick?
But getting extra rest is key to recovering when you’re hit with mono, says Hank Balfour, MD, professor of laboratory medicine and pathology as well as pediatrics at the University of Minnesota Medical School in Minneapolis. “Not sleeping enough can make the virus worse.”
How to help someone with mono?
Keep yourself healthy. Eat a nutritious diet, exercise daily, and sleep for at least six to eight hours nightly. Wash your hands regularly.
What are the symptoms of mono?
If you’ve caught mono, you typically have symptoms like: fatigue. a sore throat. fever. swollen lymph nodes in your neck. headache. muscle aches. If your symptoms worsen or persist for more than a day or two, make an appointment to see your doctor.
What happens if you get mono?
After you’re infected with Epstein-Barr (EBV) — the main virus that causes mono — the virus begins to shed in your throat. That means you can infect other people who come in contact with your saliva, so you have to be careful about kissing or sharing personal items like cups or utensils.
How to avoid spreading the virus?
To avoid spreading the virus if you’ve been infected, follow these tips: Stay home and rest until your symptoms improve. Don’t kiss or share any personal items — including utensils, glasses, lipstick, and food — with other people. Ask your doctor if you should use a condom when you have sex and for how long.
Is mono contagious?
Mono is a viral infection that causes symptoms like fatigue, swollen glands, and a severe sore throat. It’s hard to say exactly how long someone with mono is contagious. Even researchers aren’t totally sure. After you’re infected with Epstein-Barr (EBV) — the main virus that causes mono — the virus begins to shed in your throat.
Diagnosis
Treatment
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
Coping and Support
Specialist to consult
Preparing For Your Appointment
- 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. - Blood tests
1. Antibody tests.If there's a need for additional confirmation, a monospot test may be done to check your blood for antibodies to the Epstein-Barr virus. This screening test gives results within a day. But it may not detect the infection during the first week of the illness. A different antibody t…
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.
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…
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 …
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.