Mononucleosis

Mononucleosis, a viral illness, is typically common among teenagers and young adults; however, the illness can affect people of all ages. Although the specific reason for the illness to be more common among young adults is unclear, the consensus is that the immune system is lower due to an unhealthy lifestyle among young adults.

Mononucleosis is also known by other names including Epstein Barr Virus, glandular fever or the kissing disease. The virus is transmitted through the contact of saliva or blood of an infected person. The symptoms of infectious mononucleosis are due to an increase of white blood cells that prevents the immune system from producing sufficient antibodies that would typically attack the virus and prevent it from spreading.

Symptoms of Mononucleosis

Mononucleosis symptoms are often misdiagnosed as those due to a cold or flu. The symptoms of infectious mononucleosis are typically transferred orally which is how the virus got termed the kissing disease. The typical mononucleosis symptoms include sore throat, fatigue and fever, however, if mononucleosis is not diagnosed in the early stages rarer mononucleosis symptoms can be increased and include:

Sudden weight loss
Enlarged lymph modes
Inflammation of liver cells
Enlarged and/or bursting of red blood cells
Abdominal pain
Extreme fatigue
Enlarged spleen
Mild jaundice
Difficulty swallowing

Incubation Period

Approximately twenty percent of those who contract infectious mononucleosis develop a rash that is similar in appearance to measles. When certain antibiotics such as amoxicillin are taken during the incubation period of infectious mononucleosis, the risk of rash increases.

The typical incubation period from the initial exposure of the virus to the onset of infectious mononucleosis symptoms ranges from 14 to 45 days. The most severe mononucleosis symptoms last an average of four weeks and the first two weeks are the most intense.

Mononucleosis Treatment

Infectious mononucleosis is a viral illness; therefore there is no specific treatment currently available that will eliminate the mononucleosis symptoms.

Mononucleosis treatment typically includes symptomatic treatment including relieving the sore throat pain, rest and light diet. The most difficult symptom for many is the extreme fatigue and lack of energy. The lack of energy and fatigue can typically last as long as six weeks, however, in some situations may be much longer. In some situations mononucleosis treatment may include an antibiotic to treat secondary infections such as strep throat.

It is important that alcohol be avoided during the first six weeks of symptoms as the immune system is low and alcohol will intensify the risk of lowered immune system and more serious symptoms. One of the primary mononucleosis treatments includes a healthy balanced diet. Including foods such as fresh fruit and vegetables which contain natural antibiotic properties that may help to naturally improve and strengthen the immune system. Over the counter medications are typically used as mononucleosis treatment for the relief of the sore throat, fever, headaches and body aches.

Homeopathic Mononucleosis Treatment

Some people with mononucleosis prefer to relieve their Mononucleosis symptoms with homeopathic remedies. Although these remedies are often beneficial in relieving aches and building the immune system, it is recommended that you discuss the use of herbal remedies with a medical doctor as assurance they will not interfere with any current medications you are currently prescribed.

Homeopathic mononucleosis treatments include a variety of herbs, nutrients and supplements such as:

Herbs are typically consumed orally by way of tea or a capsule. Herbs such as Echinacea, garlic and olive leaf are thought to be beneficial for the infections often associated with mononucleosis.
Supplements & Nutrients such as vitamins A, B complex, C and E are beneficial for building the immune system and may help to fight off or reduce the mononucleosis symptoms. Minerals such as zinc and selenium are also beneficial for building the immune system; however, it is important to not take excessive amounts of selenium without a physician’s recommendation.
Essential oils such as tea tree oil and eucalyptus are beneficial when added to a bath to help relieve the symptoms of cough, nasal congestion and sore throat which are often associated with the virus.

Most Beneficial Mononucleosis Treatment

The most beneficial mononucleosis treatment is plenty of rest and a healthy, well balanced diet. A diet consisting of low carbs and high proteins that are found in nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, chicken and lean meats may help to increase energy, reduce fatigue and build the immune system which is one of the primary mononucleosis symptoms. It is best to avoid unhealthy options such as alcohol, coffee, sugar and processed foods.