The mononucleosis illness, or mono in popular terminology, is an infectious disease spread by physical contact. Some describe it as the “kissing disease” for this reason, but in addition to kissing, you catch it by using cutlery or cups and plates used previously by an infected individual. Although this virus causes fatigue, sore throat, rashes, and other significant discomforts, it usually does not continue for more than a maximum of six weeks. Medical research estimates show that the immune systems of 90% of individuals provide full protection against mononucleosis. Teenagers and young adults are most at risk.

Steps to keep the virus from spreading

Infection easily spreads through contact with infected individuals and the utensils they use, so once you know that someone is a mono carrier contact needs to be minimized. Some might imagine that mononucleosis spreads through the air and therefore carriers need to be isolated. Medical science debunks this idea. There is no need to put people with mono into quarantine. This does not prevent the virus from spreading, and it adds to the distress of those infected. In addition to avoiding kissing, keep the eating and drinking utensils of infected individuals separate from those of the other household members, and do not share toothbrushes.

Get plenty of rest

One of the well-known mono symptoms is the way the virus drains infected people of energy. In many cases, someone with mono finds it very hard to get up from the bed. Others might mistake this for laziness or depression. Even though mono sufferers tend to suffer more from depression, this is not what causes them to stay in bed for as much as a week. They are too weak to get up and go about their normal lives. Bed rest is an essential part of the recovery process. After two weeks has passed, an improvement in their condition should become noticeable.

Drink a healthy amount of fluids

The message about the importance of drinking sufficient liquids applies to everyone, and especially people who live in hot climates. For anyone with the mono virus, this warning has an additional significance. The smooth functioning of a healthy body requires a person to stay well hydrated. Bodily organs and systems perform much more efficiently in this situation, and this helps speed up the recovery process. Also, it lessens the risk of the infection taking hold in the first place, or returning a second time.

Continue to take things easy even after mono goes

Enlargement of the spleen is a symptom of mono that needs to be taken into account even after the virus seems to have gone. Anyone who has had mono must take care to avoid strenuous physical activities for a couple of months after their recovery. If someone decides to lift weights or play strenuous physical sports before this time has elapsed, they risk rupturing their spleen. This restriction especially inconveniences professional sportspeople, and teenagers keen to get back to the college term might also be tempted to ignore the warning, but it is foolish to risk a knock or fall that could lead to a spleen rupture.

Medicines bring relief but no cure

Since mono often causes very painful sore throats and fevers, patients hope to find some relief in medications. So far, nobody has found a drug that cures mono, but various medicines help patients deal with some of its most severe symptoms. Doctors prescribe painkillers and drugs to reduce the fever. Sometimes they also give patients antibiotics. They know antibiotics are not effective treatments for a viral illness, but they do help treat the sore throat symptom. Adults also buy pain relievers from pharmacies without a prescription, but it is risky to give a child one of these tablets without first consulting a doctor.

Strengthen the immune system through dietary changes

Changes in meal plans can help improve resistance to mono. It makes good sense to increase the number of green vegetables eaten, for example, spinach. These foodstuffs contain valuable antioxidants that help the body fight off the attacks of the free radical compounds that weaken it. Besides eating healthy foods, it pays to avoid fried foods, red meats, white bread, sugar and other foods that are much less healthy. It is also highly recommended to avoid alcohol, coffee, and tobacco.

Taking steroids

Sometimes doctors prescribe corticosteroid medicines to a patient with mono. Although this is not one of the standard treatment approaches, they believe it is appropriate in very specific situations. For example, if the patient has very badly swollen tonsils or they experience problems breathing. A short course of corticosteroids might quickly resolve these health issues.

Homeopathic remedies

The absence of conventional medical cures for mono encourages sufferers to explore homeopathic medications. No widely accepted medical studies testify that any of these homeopathic treatments work, but there is anecdotal evidence. The homeopath aims to give each patient a customized healing approach that takes into consideration his or her age, state of health, and emotional state. For example, if the patient just started to experience mono symptoms and has developed a fever, they often give them a herb called Belladonna.

Use the services of an acupuncturist

Not so long ago most conventional medical practitioners tended to be very skeptical about the value of the traditional Chinese acupuncture. More recently, they have become open to the possibility that it does have what to contribute, but doubts remain if it really is effective since there is no solid medical evidence. However, there is no shortage of statements from people claiming that acupuncture sessions relieved some of their mono symptoms.

Occasional need for treatment in hospital

Home treatment suffices for average cases of mono, but a doctor might send a patient to the hospital on rare occasions. For example, if the patient finds it hard to breathe, or they can no longer easily swallow liquids. They usually do not need to spend more than a few days in the hospital. Here the doctors put them on an intravenous drip. A few mono patients even experience a spleen rupture and to treat this requires surgery.