Mononucleosis can last weeks, keeping you at home as you recover. Your doctor may recommend a gradual exercise program to help you rebuild your strength as you recover. Rupture of the spleen results in severe bleeding and is a medical emergency.Īsk your doctor about when it's safe for you to resume your normal level of activity. To help you avoid the risk of rupturing your spleen, your doctor may suggest that you wait about one month before returning to vigorous activities, heavy lifting, roughhousing or contact sports. Returning to your usual schedule too soon can increase the risk of a relapse. The more rest you get, the sooner you should recover. Most signs and symptoms of mononucleosis ease within a few weeks, but it may be two to three months before you feel completely normal. Wait to return to sports and some other activities Mix 1/4 teaspoon (1.5 grams) of salt in 8 ounces (237 milliliters) of warm water. Do this several times a day to relieve a sore throat. This is because aspirin has been linked to Reye's syndrome, a rare but potentially life-threatening condition, in such children. Though aspirin is approved for use in children older than age 3, children and teenagers recovering from chickenpox or flu-like symptoms should never take aspirin. Use caution when giving aspirin to children or teenagers. Take them only to relieve pain or a fever. These medicines have no antiviral properties. Use pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) as needed. Fluids help relieve a fever and sore throat and prevent dehydration. Drink plenty of water and fruit juices.Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic Lifestyle and home remediesīesides getting plenty of rest, these steps can help relieve symptoms of mononucleosis: If needed, other antibiotics that are less likely to cause a rash are available to treat infections that may go along with mononucleosis.
The rash doesn't necessarily mean that they're allergic to the antibiotic, however. In fact, some people with mononucleosis who take one of these drugs may develop a rash. Amoxicillin and other antibiotics, including those made from penicillin, aren't recommended for people with mononucleosis. Severe narrowing of your airway may be treated with corticosteroids. If so, you may need treatment with antibiotics for these accompanying bacterial infections. You may also develop a sinus infection or an infection of your tonsils (tonsillitis).
A streptococcal (strep) infection sometimes goes along with the sore throat of mononucleosis. Treating secondary infections and other complications.
You may take over-the-counter pain relievers to treat a fever or sore throat. Treatment mainly involves taking care of yourself, such as getting enough rest, eating a healthy diet and drinking plenty of fluids. Antibiotics don't work against viral infections such as mono. There's no specific therapy available to treat infectious mononucleosis.