INFECTIOUS MONONUCLEOSIS

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Definition: Mono is an illness that is caused by a virus. The most common cause is the Epstein- Barr virus (EBV). From the time of exposure to demonstrating the disease symptoms is between 30-50 days.

SYMPTOMS

  • Fever, especially high at nighttime
  • Severe sore throat
  • Swollen lymph nodes around neck, jaw, groin
  • Nausea
  • Loss of appetite
  • Occasionally widespread rash
  • Abdominal pain (occasionally)
  • Fatigue

SELF-TREATMENT

  1. Monitor your temperature and treat with acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Do not use aspirin.
  2. Drink plenty of water and juices to prevent dehydration.
  3. Eat a well balanced diet....it may be necessary to eat soft food or drink high calorie beverages or food.
  4. Rest - take an afternoon nap until it begins to interfere with your nighttime sleep; then drop the nap.
  5. Avoid sharing eating utensils or sharing beverages from the same bottle or glass.
  6. Avoid injury to the abdomen. No contact sports.
  7. No alcohol

TREAT THE SYMPTOMS

Symptoms Treatment
  1. Sneezing, runny nose, stuffy head
  2. Fever
  3. Sore throat
  4. Hoarseness
  • Sudafed or decongestant of choice
  • Acetaminophen or ibuprofen
  • Throat lozenges
  • Warm salt water gargles, hard candy, lemon drops

HEALTH CENTER VISIT RECOMMENDED IF

  1. You suspect you might have mono.
  2. Sore throat persists - mono may be complicated by strep.
  3. Persistent fever greater than 102 F not relieved by medication.
  4. Sudden onset of abdominal pain.
  5. Inability to eat or drink.
  6. Weakness that becomes progressively worse.