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What
is Mono?
"Mono"
stands for mononucleosis. It is an infection caused by a virus.
Mono can affect the throat, lymph glands, liver and spleen. Mono
is diagnosed by a blood test. Sometimes the infection has to be
present for several days before the blood test shows that the virus
is there.
Mono can cause ...
- a fever
- sore throat
- swollen glands
- tiredness
- headache
- sometimes a rash,
or sometimes yellowing of the skin (jaundice)
How is Mono Spread?
The virus is spread
through sneezing, coughing and kissing.
How is Mono Treated?
- Mono does NOT
get better with antibiotics.
- It is safe to
control fever with acetaminophen (Tylenol®). DO NOT USE ASPIRIN®
OR ASPIRIN-CONTAINING PRODUCTS (salicylic acid). This could lead to
Reyes Syndrome which causes brain and liver damage.
- Get plenty of
rest and sleep. Rest until your fever is gone.
- Drink at least
8 glasses of fluid a day, especially if you have a fever.
- Try to eat a
well-balanced diet, even though you don't feel like eating.
- Gargling may
help your sore throat. Use warm salt water (1 teaspoon salt in 1 cup
of water), or use double-strength tea.
- Try starting
normal activities after your fever is gone. Rest when you are tired.
How Long Does it Take to Get Better?
Most people get
better in 2 to 4 weeks. You may feel tired for 3 to 6 weeks after the
other symptoms are gone.
Visit the OUCC or the Emergency Department if ...
- you have trouble
swallowing
- you have trouble
breathing
- you become very
lightheaded
- you have pain
in your abdomen or your shoulder
- there is confusion
(confusion means that the person does not make sense when he talks,
or the person acts in a very bizarre way)
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NO
sports, strenuous exercise or heavy lifting are allowed for 6
weeks.
These activities could injure your spleen.
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