Mononucleosis is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus or the cytomegalovirus - both from the same strain of the herpes virus. The infection occurs through direct contact with the saliva of an infected person, and for this reason it is known as the "kissing disease". Symptoms occur about four weeks after the infection and include a sore throat, intense fatigue, and a high fever, as well as headaches and soreness. Symptoms generally persist for two to six weeks. There are no drugs or other simple treatments for mononucleosis. Often the virus will simply have to run its course. Here are the best ways to manage mononucleosis.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Diagnosing Mononucleosis
Step 1. Identify the symptoms of mononucleosis
It is not always easy to diagnose mononucleosis at home. The best way is to look for the following symptoms, especially if they don't go away after a week or two.
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Intense fatigue. You may feel very sleepy, or lethargic and unable to gather energy. You may feel exhausted even after the slightest effort. This symptom can also manifest itself as a general malaise.
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Sore throat, especially if it doesn't go away thanks to antibiotics.
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Fever.
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Swollen lymph nodes, tonsils, liver, or spleen.
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Headache and body aches.
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Occasionally skin rashes.
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Step 2. Don't mistake a strep infection for mononucleosis
Because of a sore throat, it's easy to think that your mononucleosis is actually an infection first. Unlike strep, a bacterium, mononucleosis is caused by a virus, and cannot be treated with antibiotics. Talk to your doctor if your sore throat does not improve after taking antibiotics.
Step 3. Consult your doctor
If you think you have mononucleosis, or if you realize you have it but your symptoms don't go away after a few weeks of rest, you should see your doctor. Your doctor will be able to diagnose your condition based on your symptoms and by examining your lymph nodes, but they will also be able to do a blood test to determine for sure.
- There are tests that check for antibodies to the Epstein-Barr virus in the blood. You'll get your results in a day, but this test may not detect mononucleosis during the first week of symptoms. There is a different version of the test that can detect mononucleosis in the first week, but it takes longer to get results.
- Tests that check the levels of white blood cells in the blood can also suggest the presence of mononucleosis, but are not enough to confirm the diagnosis.
Part 2 of 3: Treating Mononucleosis at Home
Step 1. Get plenty of rest
Sleep and relax as much as possible. Bed rest is the main treatment for mononucleosis, and given your tiredness it will seem like the natural thing to do. Rest is especially important in the first two weeks.
Due to the fatigue caused by mononucleosis, infected people should stay home from school and take a break from other regular activities. This does not mean that you will never be able to participate in social activities. Spending time with friends and family can be a good way to keep your spirits up during this difficult and frustrating time - avoid overworking and be prepared to rest when you get home. Avoid physical contact with other people, especially saliva exchanges
Step 2. Drink plenty of fluids
Water and fruit juices are the best choices - try to drink several liters a day. This will help lower fever, relieve sore throat and avoid dehydration.
Step 3. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever to reduce pain and soreness in the throat
If you can, take your medications on a full stomach. You can take acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Do not give aspirin to young people under 18, or you would put them at risk of getting Reye's syndrome. This risk does not exist for adults
Step 4. Relieve a sore throat with salt water gargle
Add half a teaspoon of table salt to a cup of hot water. You can do this several times a day.
Step 5. Avoid grueling activities
When you have mononucleosis, your spleen can enlarge, and intense physical exertion, especially lifting weights or contact sports, puts you at risk of a ruptured spleen. This is extremely dangerous, so go to the hospital right away if you have mononucleosis and experience sudden, intense pain in the left side of the abdomen.
Step 6. Try not to infect other people
Symptoms don't show up until the virus has been in your body for weeks, so you may have already infected some people, but do your best to spare the pain you're passing on to friends and family. Do not share food, drinks, cutlery or cosmetics with anyone. Try not to cough or sneeze in the presence of other people. Don't kiss anyone and avoid sexual contact.
Part 3 of 3: Other Medical Treatments
Step 1. Antibiotics have no effect against mononucleosis
They can help your body fight bacteria, but mononucleosis is viral. It is not generally treated with antivirals either.
Step 2. Get treatments for secondary infections
Your body will be weak and more vulnerable to invasion by bacteria. Mononucleosis in some cases can occur alongside strep throat or sinus or tonsil infections. Watch out for this and take antibiotics if you suspect you have a secondary infection.
Step 3. Ask your doctor to prescribe corticosteroids if the pain is severe
They can relieve your symptoms, such as swelling of the throat and tonsils. They won't help fight the virus itself though.
Step 4. Undergo emergency surgery if your spleen ruptures
If you experience sudden and intense pain in the left side of the abdomen, especially during physical activity, you should go to a hospital immediately.
Advice
- Reduce the chances of getting mononucleosis by frequently washing your hands and avoiding sharing drinks, food, and cosmetics with other people.
- While some argue that it is possible to get mononucleosis only once, this is not the case. It is possible to contract it several times, due to the Epstein-Barr virus, the cytomegalovirus or both at the same time.
- Mononucleosis is a disease that affects young people more than those over 40. When it affects an adult, the symptoms of mononucleosis usually boil down to a fever that takes longer than normal to pass. A doctor may mistake it for another more common disease in adults, such as liver or gallbladder problems or even hepatitis. The recommended treatment is the same: rest and pain relievers to control symptoms.
Warnings
- Avoid kissing or sharing a drink or food with someone while recovering from mononucleosis. Take the same precautions if you are caring for a sick person.
- Do not take antiviral drugs in the hope that they can cure mononucleosis. These drugs cause about 90% of patients to have a rash that doctors can confuse with an allergic reaction.
