What Would Happen If Mono Is Left Untreated?
Infectious mononucleosis also known as Mono does not have any specific treatment. The most common cause for mono is Epstein-Barr virus but there are some other viruses who can cause mono. Mono is also known as the kissing disease and it’s transmitted through mostly through the saliva (kissing), it can also be transmitted by coughing, and sneezing and it is a very contagious disease. There are no antivirals that are effective against mono; the treatment is mainly conservative with the treatment of symptoms.
Treatment Of Mono
Have plenty of rest, especially within the first two weeks after initiation of mono have bed rest. Rest is needed during mono in order to prevent the occurrence of some complications.
Hydrate yourself. Drink more water and other fluids.
Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve muscle aches and fever. These drugs can be purchased over the counter without any prescription. Do not give aspirin to children less than 12 years because it can cause a serious adverse effect which is known as Reye syndrome.
Sore throat and throat pain are awful. To relieve the throat pain, you can have some throat lozenges. Warm salt water helps the sore throat. Get 8 ounces of warm water and dissolve one-half teaspoon of salt in it. Gargle your throat thoroughly with it. You can do this several times a day and it really helps the sore throat.
Avoid doing exercises, contact sports, weight lifting at least 4-6 weeks after being diagnosed with mono. The spleen is enlarged and swollen and is at an increased risk of getting ruptured when you have mono. So, doing the above-mentioned activities increase the risk more, therefore, avoid these activities.
As you see there is no specific treatment for mono, it is more of the same left alone, just do some conservative treatment to reduce the uncomfortable status when one gets mono. Even when no treatment is done it might get better or sometimes one would get a complication. There is no evidence to say that the conservative treatment reduces the risk of complications. Rest, hydration can reduce unnecessary stress on the immune system and this will help the immune system to fight off the infection.
For some people mono does not become serious and they may only have mild symptoms and gets better in about 2-4 weeks. These symptoms may even go without any notice and they might think its just the flu. But for some people mono infection can cause lots of symptoms and if they develop a complication it will be more difficult.
Whereas for some people the fatigue associated with mono will be present for weeks after recovery even may be for 6 months. The course of the disease is different in each individual and there is no way of predicting who will get better soon and who will take time to get well. However, people with immunodeficiency such as people with HIV/AIDS, on immunocompromised medicine (steroids), congenital immunodeficiency are more prone to get complications than the general population
Conclusion
Infectious mononucleosis also known as Mono does not have any specific treatment. The most common cause for mono is Epstein-Barr virus but there are some other viruses who can cause mono. The treatment is mainly conservative with the treatment of symptoms. It is more of the same left alone, just do some conservative treatment to reduce the uncomfortable status when one gets mono. Even when no treatment is done it might get better or sometimes one would get a complication. There is no evidence to say that the conservative treatment reduces the risk of complications. Rest, hydration can reduce unnecessary stress on the immune system and this will help the immune system to fight off the infection.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Epstein-Barr Virus and Infectious Mononucleosis: https://www.cdc.gov/epstein-barr/index.html
- Mayo Clinic – Mononucleosis (Mono): https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mononucleosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350328
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