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.
Mono usually affects teenagers and young adults, but anyone can get it.
Like the common cold, a virus causes mono. Similarly, there's no specific treatment for mono.
This infection is usually less contagious than a cold. However, mono symptoms can last longer. You may have symptoms for four to six weeks or more.
It may take a few months before you completely recover from mono.
Viruses cause mono infections. This means antibiotics can't effectively treat the condition. Some antibiotics, like amoxicillin and penicillin, can even cause a rash if you have mono.
Different kinds of viruses can cause mono. A research study that tested common antiviral drugs against the Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) found they didn't work well at all in clinical cases.
EBV is a virus that can cause mono. It's responsible for up to 50 percent of all mono infections.
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:
Mono usually causes swollen lymph nodes in the neck, underarm, and groin areas. You may also have other common symptoms, like:
Along with other symptoms, mono can cause the spleen to get bigger. 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:
It's important to rest if you have mono. An enlarged spleen can become more delicate, but you may not show any symptoms.
Working out, lifting something heavy, or other strenuous activity can cause the spleen to burst. Wait until you've fully recovered from mono before getting back to your normal activities.
Call 911 or go to an emergency room if you feel a sudden, sharp pain in your left, upper side. It may a sign of a ruptured spleen. This complication of mono is rare, but it can happen.
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.
Drink plenty of water, fruit juice, herbal tea, soup, and broth. Fluids help bring down a fever and soothe a sore throat. Drink as much as you can to raise your energy levels and prevent dehydration.
Use OTC pain relievers to help bring down a fever and ease headaches and muscle aches. These medications won't get rid of the virus, but they can help make you more comfortable:
Take these medications only as directed. Taking too much can be harmful. You can also take OTC cold and flu medications that contain pain relievers, such as:
Throat gargles can help soothe a sore throat. Gargle with these home remedies several times a day:
Cool a fever with wet towel compresses, a cool bath, or a cold foot bath. Also try eating something cold, like ice cream or a popsicle.
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.
Eat healthy whole foods to help your immune system fight the mono virus.
Eat more antioxidant-rich and anti-inflammatory foods, like:
Avoid consuming things like:
Add these supplements to your daily diet for your immune and gut health:
If you contract the mono virus, you may not have any symptoms at all for four to six weeks. Symptoms may last for only a few days to two to six weeks. Here are some common symptoms and their usual duration:
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. You may need other treatment for a ruptured spleen.
You can't always prevent getting mono. Someone who has the virus and doesn't yet have symptoms might not know they have it. Lower your risk for contracting mono and other viral illnesses with these tips:
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. Rest and avoid strenuous activity to prevent spleen injuries and combat fatigue. Ask your doctor when it's safe to get back to your normal activities.
Enjoy low-key activities, like reading and watching movies, as you recover. Eat plenty of whole foods and stay hydrated. Treat symptoms with OTC cold and flu medications and pain-relieving drugs.