Symptoms can include extreme fatigue, sore throat, andswollen tonsils.
Give your immune system the boost it needs to fight mono with the following tactics.
Hydrate
Fever and pain when swallowing can you put you at risk for dehydration.
Verywell / Ellen Lindner
Prevent dehydration by drinking at least four to six cups of water per day.
If you have a fever and are sweating a lot, you may need to drink more.
Rest
Don’t underestimate the power of rest to help your immune system do its job.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
If your body aches (or any other symptoms) become intolerable, contact your healthcare provider.
The illness commonly causes an enlargedspleen, which canruptureupon even the mildest pressure or hit to the abdomen.
It is a good idea to avoid heavy chores around the house as well.
Children should be discouraged from rough play or wrestling with siblings.
Wait at least until all your mono symptoms have resolved, then return to your physical activities gradually.
Many people recover from mono within two to four weeks.
However, some people continue to feel fatigued for several weeks longer.
In some cases, mono symptoms can last for six months or more.
you’re free to also findthroat lozenges and spraysto soothe a sore throat.
Aspirin belongs to a family of compounds calledsalicylates.
While many salicylates share the same properties as aspirin, their effects on the body can vary.
Taking too many salicylates at any age can lead to salicylate toxicity (overdose).
Adults ages 19 and up should avoid using more than one salicylate or aspirin-containing product at a time.
Prescriptions
Swollen tonsils andlymph nodesusually are not a big deal and go away on their own.
Sometimessteroid medicationsare used to shrink the tonsils if they have become too enlarged.
It is possible to have strep throat or a bacterial sinus infection at the same time that you havemono.
If this happens, you may be prescribed anantibiotic.
When a person has mono, their chances of developing this rash are higher.
A review of this research found that any benefit was uncertain.
The drugs used includedacyclovir,valomaciclovir, andvalacyclovir.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Summary
Mono is a viral illness so it’s not treated with antibiotics.
Ample rest and hydration are critical for your immune system to fight the infection.
Over-the-counter medications can help keep your fever down and relieve aches.
Children under 19 years of age should avoid medications that contain aspirin.
That’s not exactly true.
Once you become infected with Epstein-Barr virus, you will carry the virus for the rest of your life.
The virus usually stays dormant and most people will never have mono symptoms again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Anti-viral medications have uncertain benefits in mononucleosis.
The illness usually runs its course.
Don’t engage in either until your healthcare provider says it’s OK.
Experts aren’t totally sure.
That doesn’t mean you’re infectious for the rest of your life.
There’s a small chance it could become active again and could be transmissible via saliva.
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