Infectious Mononucleosis

Prevention

This disease is most contagious during its acute stage, while the affected person still has a fever.

Someone with mononucleosis does not need to be kept isolated from others. However, to help prevent the spread of mononucleosis, many doctors recommend that the patient should avoid kissing others while he or she is feeling ill. Some authorities recommend that a person with mononucleosis also should avoid sharing food, drinks or eating utensils with other people during the first few weeks of the illness, although the value of this is unproven.

Treatment

Mononucleosis usually goes away on its own, and most treatment focuses on making the person more comfortable. Because there is no medical cure for mononucleosis, the basic treatment plan usually calls for getting plenty of rest and fluids, and treating any uncomfortable symptoms. For example, cold drinks, frozen desserts and gargling with salt water can help to relieve minor sore throat pain. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin and others) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be taken to fight fever and body aches.

Steroids, such as prednisone, are not often used, but can be of value if the tonsils are so swollen that it is hard to breathe, or when certain rare complications occur, such as anemia. To protect the spleen from rupture, a person with mononucleosis should avoid strenuous activities, especially contact sports, for at least four weeks.