Infectious mononucleosis is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus and is mainly transmitted through saliva, and there is no specific treatment because the body eliminates the virus and the disease disappears within 1 month; However, mononucleosis causes fever, headache and whitish spots may appear on the throat and red spots on the skin, so some medications are used to relieve these symptoms.
When symptoms of mononucleosis do not go away or are very strong, your family doctor or pediatrician may prescribe corticosteroids to reduce inflammation caused by the virus or antivirals that help eliminate the infection.
- In some situations.
- Your doctor may order tests.
- Such as ultrasounds.
- To check if your spleen is enlarged or a blood test to check if the virus has been completely removed from your body.
It is also important in the treatment of mononucleosis to rest, drink plenty of fluid and maintain a healthy diet, however the most suitable treatments for mononucleosis are:
There is no drug that can treat mononucleosis because the virus is eliminated by the body’s own defenses; However, as mononucleosis can cause unpleasant symptoms, such as fever, headache, sore throat or severe fatigue, your family doctor may recommend pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications.medicines, such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen and aspirin.
In some cases, at the same time as mononucleosis, bacterial infection of the throat may occur and only in these situations is the antibiotic recommended.
Antiviral drugs, such as aciclovir and ganciclovir, for example, can help reduce the amount of virus in the body, however, they are not always recommended, being indicated only in cases where the body’s defenses are compromised and the symptoms are very strong.
Your doctor may prescribe corticosteroids, especially when your throat is very inflamed and the fever doesn’t go away, i.e. they shouldn’t be used in all situations.
The treatment of mononucleosis in children is practically the same as in adults, except for the use of suction, as it can cause Reye’s syndrome, in which inflammation of the brain and fat accumulation in the liver occurs.The most important thing is to give your child plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
Some recommendations are given to improve symptoms of mononucleosis such as:
To avoid transmitting the virus to others, it’s important to wash your hands several times a day, as well as avoid sharing objects contaminated with saliva, such as cutlery and glasses.
Other substances, such as echinacea, can be used to help in the treatment of mononucleosis, mainly because of the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect they have. However, it is necessary to follow the doctor’s recommendations before using any natural substance. Learn more about the home remedy for mononucleosis.
Signs of improvement in mononucleosis include decreased and disappearance of fever, relief of sore throats and headaches, decreased and disappearance of swelling of the tongue, disappearance of whitish patches in the mouth and throat, and red spots on the body.
Signs of worsening mononucleosis include severe abdominal pain, swelling of the neck, increased inflammation and sore throat and increased fever.
When the person shows signs of worsening, they may need to be hospitalized to receive the medication through venousness.Therefore, it is important to tell your doctor if you have severe abdominal pain or if your symptoms worsen after 1 month.