In those whose symptoms include an enlarged liver or spleen, their organs may stay enlarged even after other symptoms resolve. Treatments usually focus on relieving symptoms and preventing complications. It is important to stay hydrated and get plenty of rest during recovery.
Over-the-counter drugs, such as ibuprofen Advil and acetaminophen Tylenol may help ease symptoms. As mono occurs from acquiring a viral infection, antibiotics are not effective treatments. Therefore, do not take antibiotics, such as amoxicillin or penicillin, for mono. In severe cases affecting organ systems, doctors may have more targeted treatments to help control these symptoms.
EBV is extremely common and the most prevalent reason for mononucleosis. The condition typically requires no treatment, while managing symptoms may help the body recover.
While it is possible to experience mono twice, most people will develop a lifetime immunity, yet the virus will remain inactive in the body. People with compromised immune systems may experience mono twice. Additionally, other infections and conditions may trigger similar symptoms. People who have a reoccurrence of mono symptoms should see a doctor or healthcare provider for a full diagnosis.
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Symptoms to Look For. How Long Is Mono Contagious? Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign Up. What are your concerns? But there's some good news — if you get mono, it's almost impossible to get it again. Here's why. Once you've had mono, it's extremely unlikely that you'll get it again months or even years later. When you've been infected with EBV, it remains in your throat and blood cells for the rest of your life — but is usually latent, or inactive.
Your immune system produces antibodies in your blood that help protect you against a recurrence of EBV. However, EBV may periodically reactivate in your body, leading to higher levels of the virus in your saliva. Even if EBV does reactivate, there are usually no symptoms of mono in otherwise healthy people, Marinov says. However, you could possibly still spread EBV to others, regardless of how long it's been since you were first infected, the CDC notes.
That's why mono can be contagious long after you've displayed symptoms. However, if you have a weakened or suppressed immune system, also known as being immunocompromised, then you're more at risk of getting mono more than once. If you have the following conditions, you are more likely to show symptoms of mono if EBV reactivates.
Although it is unclear what can trigger a reactivation of EBV, it may be due to an activation of B cells — a type of white blood cells in your immune system — in response to an unrelated infection. Yes, you can get mono twice.
Here are some risk factors that increase the likelihood of getting mono twice:. Your immune system can also be weakened by alcohol, smoking, chronic stress , or poor nutrition , making it easier for mono to recur.
This is why it's known as a stealth pathogen. Sometimes, the recurring mono will not exhibit any similar symptoms. Preventing mono the first time is almost impossible. If your immune system remains strong and effective, EBV should should be less likely to give you mono a second time. What are stealth pathogens? Stealth pathogens are bacteria or viruses that can survive undetected in your body for months or even years before triggering an infection. Usually, stealth pathogens lead to chronic diseases or autoimmune disorders.
This is a controversial topic. The best defense against getting mono a second time is making sure your immune system is top notch. However, antibiotic treatment, while experiencing mono, must be monitored and prescribed with caution.
Taking an antibiotic if you have EBV can result in an itchy rash caused by Amoxicillin and other penicillin derivatives. This rash doesn't mean that they are allergic to the antibiotic — it's an interaction related to EBV. Conventional medicine would recommend painkillers, such as acetaminophen Tylenol or ibuprofen Advil , to relieve the symptoms of mono. At The Fork, we do not recommend treatments that only mask symptoms while introducing adverse side effects to your body.
If you want to bring down a fever or ease aching, try these all-natural painkillers :. Also when we have patients with EBV we recommend rest, self care, and supplements that slow down the replication of the virus, strengthen the immune system, and suppress reactivation. Always consult your healthcare provider for medical advice when you take up a new dietary supplement or lifestyle adjustment.
If you live in Middle Tennessee or are willing to travel for quality services, call or click here to make an appointment at The Fork Functional Medicine in Franklin, TN. We help patients develop an individualized plan for whole-body health that can prevent stealth pathogens from wreaking their havoc. The people who do contract mono a second time may have a weak immune system for one reason or another. Working with a functional medicine provider , you can engage in whole-body health that strengthens your immune response and prevents all sorts of chronic diseases.
Seek medical attention right away if you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, a high fever, debilitating headache, sharp pain on your left side or in your abdomen, or yellow in your eyes — as these are signs of serious conditions needing immediate attention.
Juliet, and Leipers Fork, Tennessee. We are so humbled to have patients travel to see us from all over the United States. Copyright The Fork Functional Medicine. All rights reserved. Website by Wink Digital.
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