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Understanding Mononucleosis -- Treatment
What Is the Treatment for Mononucleosis?
The wide range of symptoms associated with mononucleosis can make diagnosis difficult. Your doctor will begin by giving you a complete physical exam. A throat culture may be taken to rule out strep throat, which has similar symptoms. The doctor may take a blood sample to look for the presence of abnormal white blood cells.
There is a good chance that a special blood test called the heterophile antibody also will be done. This test examines the blood for special antibodies that your body produces in response to a viral infection, in an effort to fight it off.
Understanding Mononucleosis -- the Basics
Mononucleosis, often referred to as "mono," is a very common viral illness. About 90% of people over 35 have been infected with it, probably during early childhood, and have antibodies to the virus in their blood. When mono strikes young children, the illness is usually so mild that it passes as a common cold or the flu. When it occurs during adolescence or adulthood, however, the disease can be much more serious. Mono usually comes on over a few days. It begins with flu-like symptoms -- fever,...
Read the Understanding Mononucleosis -- the Basics article > >
The results of these tests are not always clear, however, and additional tests may be needed. Time is required for the body to produce antibodies, so a blood test done on the third day of illness, for instance, may be negative -- while another blood sample drawn a week later may test positive.
Most people recover from mononucleosis within two weeks. So the primary prescription for mono is complete bed rest with a gradual return to normal activity. Because the spleen, an organ in the abdomen, is often enlarged with mononucleosis infection, it's at a greater risk of being ruptured. Contact sports such as football and soccer should be avoided at least for several weeks.
In addition to bed rest, your doctor may prescribe ibuprofen or acetaminophen for the fever, sore throat, and other discomforts of the illness. Because of possible liver involvement, check with your doctor about using acetaminophen.
Do not give aspirin to children. Aspirin should be avoided because it has been associated with a disease called Reye's syndrome, a serious illness that can lead to death.
If your sore throat is so severe that you have trouble breathing or eating, your doctor may give you prednisone, a steroid drug.
How Can I Prevent Mononucleosis?
Most people will come in contact with the virus that causes mononucleosis at some point in their lives, so there is no sure way to prevent catching mononucleosis. But keeping your immune system strong with rest, exercise, and diet may play a role in keeping you from becoming very ill from the illness.
WebMD Medical Reference
Reviewed by
Roy Benaroch, MD on March 10, 2012
© 2012 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
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