Self-Care at Home
The treatment for mononucleosis can generally be accomplished at home with plenty of rest, fluids and over-the-counter medications.
- Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) for fever and pain control.
- Throat lozenges or gargling with warm saltwater may soothe a sore throat.
- Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
- Rest in bed and limit activity according to the degree of the illness.
- Avoid strenuous exercise and contact sports until the doctor allows resumption of activities. The spleen may be enlarged, and vigorous activity may cause it to rupture. Most doctors believe that a person with mononucleosis should postpone strenuous activities for at least one month after the onset of symptoms or until the spleen has returned to its normal size.
Medically Reviewed by a Doctor on 6/6/2014
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