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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 reason to take them is 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 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.
To avoid risk of rupturing your spleen, wait at least one month before returning to vigorous activities, heavy lifting, roughhousing or contact sports. Rupture of the spleen results in severe bleeding and is a medical emergency.
Ask your doctor when it's safe for you to resume your normal level of activity. Your doctor may recommend a gradual exercise program to help you rebuild your strength as you recover.
- Epstein-Barr virus and infectious mononucleosis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/ebv.htm. Accessed April 27, 2010.
- Infectious mononucleosis. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec14/ch189/ch189f.html. Accessed April 27, 2010.
- Fort GG, et al. Mononucleosis. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2010. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/198193047-5/0/2088/420.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05609-0..00022-8--sc0150_8624. Accessed April 27, 2010.
- Katz BZ. Epstein-Barr virus infections (mononucleosis and lymphoproliferative disorders). In: Long SS, et al., eds. Long: Principles and Practice of Pediatric Infectious Diseases. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/198193047-5/0/1679/211.html?tocnode=55243816&fromURL=211.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-443-06687-0..50210-1_3825. Accessed April 27, 2010.
- Ross SM. An integrative approach to rhinosinusitis in children. Holistic Nursing Practice. 2009;23:302.
- Hoecker JL (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. April 29, 2010.
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