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Lifestyle and home remedies
By Mayo Clinic staffIn addition to getting plenty of bed rest, these steps can help relieve symptoms of mononucleosis:
- Drink plenty of water and fruit juices. Fluids help relieve fever and sore throat and prevent dehydration.
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. Use pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) as needed. These medicines have no antiviral properties. The only reasons to take them are to relieve pain or a fever. Don't give aspirin to a child under age 16. Aspirin may trigger a rare but potentially fatal disorder known as Reye's syndrome.
- Gargle with salt water. Do this several times a day to relieve sore throat. Mix 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) salt in 8 ounces (237 milliliters) of warm water.
Wait to return to sports and some other activities
Most signs and symptoms of mononucleosis ease within a few weeks, but it may be two to three months before you feel completely normal. The more rest you get, the sooner you should recover.
Returning to your usual schedule too soon can increase the risk of a relapse. If you're an athlete, be cautious about returning to strenuous activities or contact sports, especially if your spleen is enlarged, because of the increased risk of rupturing the spleen.
Children with mononucleosis and an enlarged spleen shouldn't engage in vigorous activities, roughhousing or contact sports for the same reason. Rupture of the spleen results in severe bleeding and is a medical emergency. Doctors suggest you avoid contact sports for at least one month after you've had mononucleosis, depending on how long it takes your spleen to return to normal size.
Although you may not be able to return to vigorous activities right away, your doctor may recommend gradual exercise to help you rebuild your strength as you recover from mononucleosis.
