How Long Does Mono Last

Takeaways from

• There are many ways to reduce the discomfort of mononucleosis symptoms.
• Mono symptoms will eventually disappear, but it is contagious up to six months in some cases.
• It is caused by Epstein-Barr, a virus that remains in the body without causing any symptoms.
• Mono is usually a minor problem that resolves on its own. Mono can be a serious problem for some people.

You have probably heard of the “kissing illness,” also known as mono (infectious mononucleosis). Many stories tell of how it can keep you bedridden for a whole month, and leave you exhausted. It is true that the symptoms of this illness can last a long time. It doesn’t matter how long it takes for the symptoms to go away (usually between 2 and 4 weeks). The good news is that mono usually doesn’t cause any serious problems. There are some warning signs that you should be aware of.

Will The Epstein-Barr Virus Ever disappear?

Your mono symptoms may have improved but are you still in danger? The virus that causes mono EBV remains in your body. But it goes into a state of dormancy (sleep), where it lives quietly in a few cellular without causing harm. The immune system produces antibodies (special immune proteins) that keep the virus at bay. Then, every few years. A person may have multiple mono infections, with full symptoms. It’s possible that they may have AIDS or another condition that weakens the immune system.

Treatment Of Mono

Scientists still haven’t found a cure for the mononucleosis. Treatments are aimed at making you as comfortable as possible as your body fights the infection.

Feeling better? Here are some tips to help you.

Mono is not a miserable illness. Here are some things you can do to make yourself feel better.

• Take care of your body by taking care its normal needs. It’s especially important when you are sick. This is because your body works extra hard to fight off the illness on top all of the other things that it does normally.
• But never take aspirin during a mono infection. It can cause a life-threatening illness called a especially in children. Aspirin should never be taken during mono because it can lead to a serious illness known as Reye’s syndrome. This is especially true for children.

Antibiotics don’t work against viruses. Certain antibiotics, such as ampicillin, cephalexin and , may cause a rash in the case of mono.

What happens if you don’t treat mono?

Your immune system can help you to fight EBV if you are healthy. Most healthy people will recover from mono symptoms within 2 to 4 weeks, without needing any of the above treatments. If you have a mono-related complication, you should see your healthcare provider immediately.

Is Mono Serious?

Some serious complications like splenic rupture and airway compromise can occur very quickly. Some complications, such as hemolytic anemia and hepatitis develop slowly over the course your mono infection. All of them are dangerous, regardless of how fast they spread.

Here is a bit more information on these complications.

• Splenic Rupture: mono may cause the spleen’s enlargement, making it more fragile. Your spleen may rupture if you are subjected to a high-impact force on your torso. This can cause internal bleeding. It’s important to avoid high-impact activities or sports while you are suffering from mono.
• Airway Compromise: EBV may infect throat cells and cause swelling. When your lymph nodes or tonsils in your neck become too swollen, they can cause your airway to be blocked and make it difficult for you to breathe.
• Hemolytic Anemia: This condition occurs when your immune system destroys red blood cells. Anemia (low RBC counts) can cause you to feel tired because your body is not getting enough oxygen.
• Hepatitis: EBV can lead to hepatitis or inflammation of liver tissue. If the liver damage is severe, you may feel abdominal pain or see a yellowing in the skin and eyes.

You should visit a doctor if you notice any of these signs.

You should see your doctor if you have recently been diagnosed with Mono.

• Trouble breathing or swallowing
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Sharp pain in your left side
• Chest pain
• Easy bruising and bleeding
• Skin pallor is a sign of extra aging
• Yellowing of skin or eyes
• Dark urine
• The arms and legs become weaker
• Mono symptoms that persist beyond 8 weeks

Does Mono Cause Chronic Fatigue?

You’re still tired even though you’ve had mono for 4 weeks. You are not alone. You’re not alone. A small percentage (4%) of adolescents have reported having Chronic Fatigue Syndrome up to two years after a mon infection.

CFS can cause extreme fatigue, even after doing simple activities. The fatigue does not improve with rest. EBV may play a part in the condition, but its exact cause is not known. The severity of the initial mono symptoms has been shown to increase the risk of CFS in some studies. Recent research suggests that portions of the EBV virus can cause CFS for a subset who has it.

What about EBV reactivation after years? It can happen but not necessarily in everyone.

You should first check to see if you have other symptoms, such as hypothyroidism or depression. Your provider can help you determine your next steps and rule out any other causes.

Bottom Line

Mono will eventually go away, even if it takes longer than a week. If you do nothing, you may feel awful while you wait for the mono to go away. Rest and over-the counter medications are the best ways to relieve your symptoms. Mono is not usually dangerous but there’s a slight risk that it could lead to serious complications. If your fatigue persists for more than a couple of months, you should consult a doctor.