how does the course of mono work

Mono has three stages: a prodrome, an acute stage, and a convelescent (recovery) stage. Because mono has a long incubation period, it can be difficult to determine when the illness actually began. On average, the prodrome phase lasts three to five days, while the acute phase can last up to six weeks.

Full Answer

What should I do to exercise while I have mono?

When You Still Have Symptoms, Focus on Rest and Getting Fluids

• Give Yourself Plenty of Time to Rest. This prescription can be a tough one to follow if you’re used to being active. ...
• Drink Plenty of Fluids. ...
• Try Gargling With Warm Salt Water. ...
• If You Have a Fever or Muscle Aches, Try Taking an Over-the-Counter Pain Reliever. ...

How long does it take to recover from Mono?

Most of the symptoms last for 1 month such as swollen tonsils, sore throat, and fever. However, for complete recovery from the fatigues and weakness, the mono patient may require 2-3 months. After complete rest for the required period, the mono patient may be back to work with the same energy.

What can I do with mono?

• Listen to your body. If something feels wrong, rest and do what you can to alleviate your symptoms.
• Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. With night sweats and severe throat swelling, it’s really difficult to swallow. ...
• Eat clean. No processed food, junk, soda, coffee, and things of that nature. ...
• Rest. ...
• Throw out all germ-holders. ...

Should I go to work with mono?

Therefore, it should be feasible for employees to gradually return to work 4 weeks after the onset of sickness absence due to infectious mononucleosis. However, our results show that return to work takes almost twice as long because the median duration until partial or full return to work was 45 days (95% CI = 42–49 days) for those who did return to work.

How long does it take for mono to run its course?

Most people get better in two to four weeks; however, some people may feel fatigued for several more weeks. Occasionally, the symptoms of infectious mononucleosis can last for six months or longer.

What are the four stages of mono?

The timeline can vary between individuals. The first stage (prodrome) can last up to two weeks. The second stage of mono (acute phase) can last up to six weeks. The final and third stage of mono (convalescent stage), can last several months.

Does mono have to run its course?

Mono needs to run its course naturally. Symptoms usually last 2 to 4 weeks, and some students feel tired for several weeks longer. If students with mono are absent for a long period of time, try to find ways for them to keep up with assignments so they don't fall behind and feel overwhelmed when they return to school.

How long do mono fevers last?

Once the fever appears, it often lasts for a week or two. If there are no complications, the major symptoms usually last for 2 to 4 weeks, and then gradually resolve. Some continue to have fatigue for months or even years after the infection. A long list of possible complications can lengthen mono.

What causes mono to flare up?

Most people have mono only once. In rare cases, the symptoms can recur due to a reactivation of EBV. If mono returns, the virus is in your saliva, but you probably won't have any symptoms unless you have a weakened immune system. In rare instances, mono can lead to what's called chronic active EBV (CAEBV) disease .

How do you know what stage of mono you are in?

Mono proceeds in three phases. First, a prodrome lasting 1-2 weeks with few if any symptoms. Second, an acute phase lasting 2 to 6 weeks during which the individual may be very sick with fevers, swollen glands, severe sore throat, and exhaustion.

What does mono fatigue feel like?

You might feel more tired than usual and have a mild fever and sore throat. Your lymph nodes, tissue that normally acts as filters, may swell under your arms and in your neck and groin area. You also may have body aches and pains, swollen tonsils, headache, and even a skin rash.

How long do lymph nodes stay swollen with mono?

The fever usually drops in 10 days, and swollen lymph glands and spleen heal in 4 weeks. Tiredness usually goes away within a few weeks, but it may linger for 2 to 3 months. Nearly everyone recovers completely.

How can I get rid of mono fast?

There's no specific therapy available to treat infectious mononucleosis. Antibiotics don't work against viral infections such as mono. Treatment mainly involves taking care of yourself, such as getting enough rest, eating a healthy diet and drinking plenty of fluids.

Can mono get better and then worse?

Signs of mono usually show up 4 to 6 weeks after you're infected with the virus. Most people feel better after 2 to 4 weeks, but they may be tired for several weeks after that. Symptoms can sometimes last 6 months or more.

Does ibuprofen help mono?

How is mono treated? The most important thing you can do when you have mono is get plenty of rest and drink enough liquids. You may want to take a pain reliever such as acetaminophen (one brand name: Tylenol) or ibuprofen (some brand names: Advil, Motrin, Nuprin).

Is mono an STD?

Technically, yes, mono can be considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI). But that's not to say that all cases of mono are STIs. Mono, or infectious mononucleosis as you might hear your doctor call it, is a contagious disease caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). EBV is a member of the herpesvirus family.

How to treat mono?

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. Advertisement. Hydrate yourself.

How long does mono last?

Convalescent Stage. This is the last stage of mono; it usually lasts for about 2-6 months. It’s actually like a recovery stage most of the acute symptoms such as fever, sore throat, lymphadenopathy are resolved but fatiguability, lack of energy can be present along with less physical strength.

How long does mononucleosis last?

It has three stages. Prodrome stage, Acute stage, and Convalescent stage. Prodrome stage lasts for about 3 to 5 days. The symptoms seen during the prodrome stage are fatigue, malaise and mild headache. In this stage non-specific symptoms are present.

How long after mono can you exercise?

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.

Is mono a conservative treatment?

There is no treatment for mono, its conservative management. During the acute and convalescent stages conservative treatment should be carried out. These treatment does not necessarily prevent complications but it can reduce the risk of getting complications to some extent.

How long does it take for mononucleosis to show?

Typical symptoms of infectious mononucleosis usually appear four to six weeks after you get infected with EBV. Symptoms may develop slowly and may not all occur at the same time.

How long does it take for a person to get better from mononucleosis?

For some people, their liver or spleen or both may remain enlarged even after their fatigue ends. Most people get better in two to four weeks; however, some people may feel fatigued for several more weeks. Occasionally, the symptoms of infectious mononucleosis can last for six months or longer.

What does EBV show in blood work?

The blood work of patients who have infectious mononucleosis due to EBV infection may show—. more white blood cells (lymphocytes) than normal. unusual looking white blood cells (atypical lymphocytes) fewer than normal neutrophils or platelets. abnormal liver function.

How does EBV spread?

Typically, these viruses spread most commonly through bodily fluids, especially saliva . However, these viruses can also spread through blood and semen during sexual contact, blood transfusions, and organ transplantations.

What is the most common cause of mononucleosis?

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is the most common cause of infectious mononucleosis, but other viruses can also cause this disease. It is common among teenagers and young adults, especially college students. At least one out of four teenagers and young adults who get infected with EBV will develop infectious mononucleosis.

Is Epstein-Barr a contagious disease?

About Infectious Mononucleosis. Infectious mononucleosis, also called “mono,” is a contagious disease. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is the most common cause of infectious mononucleosis, but other viruses can also cause this disease. It is common among teenagers and young adults, especially college students.

Can you take penicillin for mononucleosis?

If you have infectious mononucleosis, you should not take penicillin antibiotics like ampicillin or amoxicillin. Based on the severity of the symptoms, a healthcare provider may recommend treatment of specific organ systems affected by infectious mononucleosis.

How long does mono last?

Symptoms of mono vary, and they can be mild or severe. They tend to come on gradually. If you get sick with mono, it will probably happen four to six weeks after you come in contact with EBV. These symptoms may last for four weeks or longer: Enlarged spleen or liver. Extreme fatigue.

How common is mono?

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) that causes mono is extremely common. Around 90% of Americans are infected with it by age 35. Not everyone who has the virus develops mono symptoms — some people only carry the virus.

Why is mono called the kissing disease?

Mono is sometimes called “the kissing disease” because it spreads easily through bodily fluids like saliva. For most people, mono isn’t serious, and it improves without treatment. Still, extreme fatigue, body aches and other symptoms can interfere with school, work and daily life.

What does a blood test for Epstein-Barr show?

Blood tests detects antibodies that your body makes to fight the Epstein-Barr virus. Your doctor may also check for a high number of white blood cells (lymphocytes) that indicate infection.

Can you get Epstein-Barr after mono?

The Epstein-Barr virus stays in your body in an inactive form even after mono symptoms go away. But most people develop mono only once. If EBV reactivates, it rarely causes symptoms. However, you may unknowingly spread the reactivated virus to others.

Does mono work against other viruses?

Antibiotics to fight bacterial infection and antiviral medications to kill other viruses don’t work against mono. Instead, treatments focus on helping you feel better by relieving symptoms. Your care might include: Rest: Mono makes you very tired. Sleep helps your body fight infection.

Can mono cause spleen bleed?

This gland in the upper left abdomen (belly) helps filter blood. If your spleen bursts, it can bleed into your abdomen.

How does mononucleosis spread?

Mononucleosis is spread through saliva. If you're infected, you can help prevent spreading the virus to others by not kissing them and by not sharing food, dishes, glasses and utensils until several days after your fever has improved — and even longer, if possible.

How do you know if you have mononucleosis?

Signs and symptoms of mononucleosis may include: Fatigue. Sore throat, perhaps misdiagnosed as strep throat , that doesn't get better after treatment with antibiotics. Fever. Swollen lymph nodes in your neck and armpits. Swollen tonsils. Headache. Skin rash. Soft, swollen spleen.

How long does Epstein-Barr stay in your saliva?

And remember to wash your hands regularly to prevent spread of the virus. The Epstein-Barr virus may persist in your saliva for months after the infection. No vaccine exists to prevent mononucleosis. By Mayo Clinic Staff.

What are the complications of mononucleosis?

Mononucleosis can also result in less common complications, including: Anemia — a decrease in red blood cells and in hemoglobin, an iron-rich protein in red blood cells. Thrombocytopenia — a low count of platelets, which are blood cells involved in clotting.

Can you get mononucleosis if you are a teenager?

You're most likely to get mononucleosis with all the signs and symptoms if you're a teen or young adult. Young children usually have few symptoms, and the infection often goes undiagnosed. If you have mononucleosis, it's important to be careful of certain complications such as an enlarged spleen.

Can you get mono from kissing?

Overview. Infectious mononucleosis (mono) is often called the kissing disease. The virus that causes mono (Epstein-Barr virus) is spread through saliva. You can get it through kissing, but you can also be exposed by sharing a glass or food utensils with someone who has mono.

What are the symptoms of mono?

These include a high fever (101.5 degrees or more), pain in the abdomen, severely swollen throat or tonsils, difficulty breathing or swallowing, limb weakness, or a severe headache. These could be due to mono, but could also be owed to other conditions and complications.

What does mono mean on CBC?

If you have mono, your CBC will typically show an elevated white blood count (WBC) with more lymphocytes than usual, which is known as lymphocytosis. These lymphocytes will also have an atypical appearance when the medical technologist examines the blood under the microscope. 1 Lymphocytes are a part of your body's immune system and it is natural for them to be elevated during certain types of infections. You will also have fewer of the other predominant type of white cells, neutrophils, and you may have a lower than usual platelet count.

What is a monospot test?

The monospot (heterophile antibody test) is an older test that is commonly used to make the mono diagnosis. A positive monospot test accompanied by the symptoms of mono helps confirm a diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis.

What tests are done for mononucleosis?

More specific tests for EBV include: 2. Viral capsid antigen (VCA) Early antigen (EA) EBV nuclear antigen (EBNA) tests.

Why is monospot test not recommended?

However, the CDC says the monospot test is no longer recommended because it produces too many inaccurate results. 2. Monospot tests can be false-negative about 10% to 15% of the time, particularly in the early stages of the illness.

How rare is mononucleosis?

Although most everyone has been infected with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) that's the primary cause of mononucleosis by 35 or 40 , it's relatively rare in people this age and older: Mono is responsible for only about 2% of cases of severe sore throat in adults. 4.

What causes monospot?

Mono is usually caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) or similar viruses, but strep throat and some other conditions may need to be ruled out. While the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) no longer recommends the ​monospot test, many guidelines still encourage using this test to help identify the cause of mono.

What Are The Stages of Mono?

See more on verywellhealth.com

How Is Mono Treated?

How Quickly Does Mono Progress?

What Are The Long-Term Effects of Mono?

A Word from Verywell

Symptoms

Transmission

• EBV is the most common cause of infectious mononucleosis, but other viruses can cause this disease. Typically, these viruses spread most commonly through bodily fluids, especially saliva. However, these viruses can also spread through blood and semen during sexual contact, blood transfusions, and organ transplantations.

See more on cdc.gov

Prevention & Treatment

Diagnosing Infectious Mononucleosis