Does Mono Get Worse Before It Gets Better?

Does Mono Get Worse Before It Gets Better?

The transmission of Mono infection is through saliva. People unknowingly spread the infection before the symptoms appear. At the peak of infection, the symptoms flare-up with high fever and painful throat and the body’s immune system comes for the rescue and eventually the symptoms subside. Swollen lymph nodes and the fatigue will take longer time. There can be fluctuations in the symptoms during the course of infection.

Mono is also known as the kissing disease as the transmission of the virus is through the saliva of an infected person. The carriers will often not know about the virus they are carrying as the symptoms will take a couple of periods to appear. Mono as such does not require any treatment and the symptoms subside on its own. The symptoms of Mono fever, cold, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes makes the individuals uncomfortable. The body needs lots of rest during this period. The standard treatment for Mono is bedrest. People who are suffering from Mono are often aged between 15-35 years, the active phase of life and will find it difficult to be on bed for such a long period. People often feel more tired resting. It is better to follow the instructions of your body. Do all the necessary activities as required and sleep only when your body tells you to rest and relax. Do not bunk school or work and plan long trips in the name of rest. One of the complications of Mono is enlarged spleen and such patients should not involve themselves in any rigorous activity as it can result in spleen rupture.

Does Mono Get Worse Before It Gets Better?

The intensity of Mono symptoms varies during the course of infection. The symptoms may flare for some time and then subside to come back again. Compared to other viral infections, Mono infection last longer and the symptoms linger from low intensity to high.

Here is the to-do list for people with Mono-

  • If you are suffering from fever better you stay at home and take some analgesic and antipyretics medicines until the fever subsides.
  • Try to follow your regular schedule of school or work rest and sleep when you feel better
  • Having Mono does not mean that you should avoid social gatherings, but be careful about sharing your glass or utensils as it can result in transmission of infection. Wash your hands as frequently as possible. Keep your toothbrush and utensils after usage separately to avoid the spread. Do not kiss as the virus is transmitted through saliva, not by touch
  • Drink plenty of water and other beverages. This helps in flushing of toxins outside the body and keeps you hydrated all the time.
  • Eat a balanced diet consisting of fruits and vegetables. Include green leafy vegetables and peppers, blueberries, tomatoes, and cherries in the diet.
  • Include olive oil and coconut oil in the diet
  • Avoid eating refined sugar and processed foods.
  • Avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine

Because of swollen tonsils, people find it difficult to swallow foods. Include lots of hot drinks in your regular schedule and warm water gargle may be beneficial. Add a little salt in warm water and let it dissolve completely and gargle it. Make sure that water is not too hot to cause any damage to the oral cavity.

  • Include hot or cold food in the diet as heat decreased the pain intensity and cold abolishes pain reflexes.
  • OTC medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, Datril) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin) can help in relieving pain and fever
  • Mono-infection does not subside with antibiotics unless it is associated with bacterial infections.
  • Patients suffering from Strep and Mono infection should not be given amoxicillin as it can result in a severe rash
  • It is not advised to donate blood for at least 6 months after infection as EBV virus affects white blood cells
  • Fatigue and reconditioning of swollen lymph nodes may take weeks together to be normal. Sometimes it can take up to 6 months for complete recovery.

Also Read:

Team PainAssist
Team PainAssist
Written, Edited or Reviewed By: Team PainAssist, Pain Assist Inc. This article does not provide medical advice. See disclaimer
Last Modified On:July 22, 2023

Recent Posts

Related Posts