Infectious Mononucleosis (cont.)
What is the usual course and treatment of mono?
In most cases of mono, no specific treatment is necessary. The illness is
usually self-limited and passes much the way other common viral illnesses
resolve. Treatment is directed toward the relief of symptoms. Available antiviral drugs have
no significant effect on the overall outcome of mono and may actually prolong
the course of the illness. Occasionally, Strep throat occurs in conjunction
with mono and is best treated with penicillin or erythromycin (E-Mycin, Eryc, Ery-Tab, PCE, Pediazole, Ilosone). Ampicillin (Omnipen, Polycillin, Principen)
and amoxicillin (Amoxil, Dispermox, Trimox) should be avoided if there is a possibility of mono since up to 90% of patients with mono
develop a rash when taking these medications. They may then be inappropriately
thought to have an allergy to penicillin. Antiviral medications have not been shown to be of benefit in treating the symptoms of mono.
For the most part, supportive or
comfort measures are all that is necessary. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be given for fever and any headache or body aches. A sufficient amount of sleep and rest is important. The throat soreness is
worst during the first five to seven days of illness and then subsides over the
next seven to 10 days. The swollen, tender lymph nodes generally subside by the third week.
A feeling of fatigue or tiredness may persist for months following the
acute phase of the
illness. It is recommended that patients with mono avoid participation in any contact sports for at least four weeks after the onset of symptoms to prevent trauma to the enlarged spleen. The enlarged spleen is susceptible to rupture, which can be life-threatening. Cortisone medication is
occasionally given for the treatment of severely swollen tonsils or throat
tissues which threaten to obstruct breathing.
Patients can continue to
have virus particles present in their saliva for as long as 18 months after the
initial infection. When symptoms persist for more than six months, the
condition is frequently called "chronic" EBV infection. However, laboratory
tests generally cannot confirm continued active EBV infection in people with
"chronic" EBV infection.
Next: What are the complications of mono? »
- amoxicillin, Amoxil, Dispermox, Trimox - Learn more about amoxicillin, including a description, generic and brand names, drug class and mechanism, preparations, storage, reasons for prescription, dosing, effect on pregnancy and nursing mothers, and common side effects.
- Sore Throat (Pharyngitis) - Learn more about sore throats, including causes, at-home treatments, differences from strep throat, reasons to seek medical care, and what it means to have multiple episodes of strep throat.
- acetaminophen, Tylenol and Others - Describes the medication acetaminophen (Tylenol) a drug used to relieve pain and reduce fever. Article includes descriptions, uses, drug interactions, and side effects.
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