How Long Does Mono Last & Ways To Get Rid Of It?

Mono or Mononucleosis, commonly known as the “kissing disease” is a viral infection that spreads through contact with fluids present in the body, mainly saliva. This infection is usually caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and spreads through kissing, sharing of tooth brush, lip balm or lipstick, fork or spoon and sexual contact. Drinking liquid from the cup or bottle of a mono patient can also trigger the spread of this virus. Mono is accompanied by symptoms like high fever, swollen lymph nodes, headache, sore throat, swollen tonsils, enlarged spleen or liver, rashes and severe fatigue. These symptoms most commonly appear in teens and young adults. Maximum numbers of people get Mono when they are in the age group of 15 to17. The mono symptoms are too mild to be noticed in children and older adults are immune to the mono virus.

However, one is sure to know that something is wrong with their health when they get infected with active mono. Mono symptoms usually show up within 4 to 6 weeks after exposure to the mono virus. This incubation period can be shorter in young children. Mono can be effectively treated with natural remedies like antiviral herbs, essential oils and anti-inflammatory foods and the discomfort from the disease can be relieved considerably.

Although the recovery time for Mono differs from person to person, most mono symptoms fade away after 2-4 weeks. Symptoms like high fever go away within 10 days while the enlarged liver or spleen usually normalise in 4-6 weeks. However, even after most of these symptoms of mono get resolved, one many continue to feel severely debilitated and fatigued for 3 to 6 months or even longer.

Unfortunately, there is no pill or medicine, which can help an individual get rid of Mono. However, there are certain things that one can do to feel better and relieved. Getting good amount of rest, eating a healthy diet and drinking plenty of fluids are some natural ways through which one can reduce the discomfort caused by Mono. Sucking throat lozenges or an ice pop, drinking tea with honey and gargling with salt water can relieve the symptoms of sore throat from mono considerably. Mono patients can also ask their health care provider to prescribe a small dose of ibuprofen or acetaminophen for relieving the fever and pain of mono.

Most people generally contract uncomplicated mono, which gets cured on its own within a few weeks. However, there are others who develop certain complications like chronic fatigue syndrome, upper airway obstruction, severe hematologic cytopenias, neurologic disease, hepatitis and rupture of the spleen. Studies have shown that spontaneous rupture of the spleen is a rare complication of infectious mononucleosis. It typically occurs in only 0.1% to 0.5 % of Mono patients.

Mono can’t always be prevented, but one can reduce their risk of contracting Mono by taking simple measures. One should avoid sharing their toothbrush, utensils, dishes and water bottles to keep mono at bay. They should also avoid sharing drinks or any of the other previously mentioned items with a mono-patient. They should also never kiss or establish any sexual contact with someone suffering from mono. The mono patients should always cover their mouth when coughing or sneezing in order to restrict the spread of the mono virus.

EBV is an extremely common virus that most people get exposed to when they are young. Some people with EBV may not show any symptoms of Mono, but still carry the virus. These people may infect others with EBV causing them to potentially develop Mono. Although there are no quick means of getting rid of Mono, with the right home treatments one is sure to feel better and relieved in a matter of few weeks. It should also be remembered that once a person contracts Mono, they generally never get it again in their lifetime.