Home Remedies

     Home remedies include drinking plenty of water and fruit juices, taking over the counter pain relievers, and gargling with salt water.  First, the fluids will help to relieve you of your fever and sore throat and will help prevent you from becoming dehydrated.  Remember that drinking plenty of fluids while sick is much more important that eating a lot.  You must prevent yourself from becoming dehydrated.  Second, using pain relievers that you can buy over the counter such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help to relieve pain or a fever.  Do not give aspirin to a child who is under 16, because it can trigger a disorder called Reye's Syndrome.  Third, be sure to gargle with salt water.  You should try this home remedy several times a day to help your sore throat.  Use about eight ounces of warm water to about 1/2 teaspoon of salt for the proper mixture.

Resuming Daily Life

     Within a few weeks, the majority of your symptoms will probably fade away, but it may take you two to three months to feel completely back to normal.  Typically the more you rest and take it easy during that time the quicker you will recover.  If you return to your normal schedule too quickly, you may increase your chance of relapsing back into your symptoms.  If you are involved in sports, be extra careful about returning, especially if you have an enlarged spleen, because you will be taking a risk of rupturing it.  A rupture of the spleen will result in severe bleeding and is considered a medical emergency.  You should avoid contact sports at a minimum of a month after you have experienced mononucleosis.  You can expect that you will miss your regular activities for a little while, and this may include school as well. 

Preventing Mononucleosis

      As you have read, mononucleosis is spread through saliva.  If you have mononucleosis you should not kiss others or share your food, glasses, or utensils at minimum for several days after your fever is over, and if possible even longer.  The virus itself can remain in your saliva for months after you were infected.  Unfortunately, there is no vaccine to prevent mono.