How to Spot Mono Symptoms + 12 Natural Cures

Mono is often referred to as the “kissing disease” because it spreads through contact with bodily fluids, especially saliva. Mono symptoms are most prevalent among teens and young adults. Symptoms in children are usually mild and may go unnoticed, while older adults typically have immunity to the virus.

However, when you do develop active mono, you’ll definitely know something’s amiss. The most common symptom of mono is extreme fatigue that can persist for weeks. Thankfully, natural remedies such as antiviral herbs, anti-inflammatory foods, and essential oils can help alleviate the discomfort.

Mono Symptoms

Mononucleosis, also known as mono, is a viral infection that causes intense fatigue, high fever, and swollen lymph nodes. Mono symptoms typically appear four to six weeks after infection. This incubation period may be shorter in young children.

Common mono symptoms include:

• excessive fatigue
• sore throat
• fever
• headache
• body aches
• swollen lymph glands in the neck and armpits
• swollen tonsils
• rash
• swollen liver and/or spleen

Three typical mono symptoms involve a sore throat, the onset of fever, and enlarged and painful lymph glands in the neck. However, the more distinctive clinical feature of mono, which assists doctors in distinguishing it from other viral and bacterial throat infections, is a severe and debilitating fatigue that accompanies these symptoms and can continue for months after they have subsided.

Most people experience uncomplicated mono that resolves on its own within a few weeks. Nevertheless, some individuals may develop complications, such as upper airway obstruction, chronic fatigue syndrome, neurologic diseases, severe hematologic cytopenias (a reduction in the number of blood cells), hepatitis, and spleen rupture.

According to research published in the Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine, spontaneous spleen rupture is a rare complication of infectious mononucleosis. It occurs in 0.1% to 0.5% of patients.

The spleen is vulnerable to rupture during the first four to six weeks of mono symptoms. Some symptoms of an enlarged spleen include pain and tenderness around the spleen, on the upper left side of the abdomen; indigestion and discomfort when eating; and pain when taking deep breaths or moving around.

Causes and Risk Factors of Mononucleosis

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), also known as human herpesvirus 4, is the most common cause of infectious mono symptoms, but other viruses can also trigger this condition. EBV is one of eight viruses in the herpes family and is one of the most common viruses in humans. It is present worldwide.

Most people are infected with EBV at some point in their lives. Researchers suggest that EBV and other viruses in the herpes family have co-evolved with their hosts over millions of years. During this time, they have developed sophisticated strategies to ensure their survival and ability to spread.

According to research published in Clinical & Translational Immunology, EBV infects at least 90% of the population worldwide, and the majority of those infected do not experience recognizable illness. EBV infections in children usually do not cause mono symptoms, or they are so mild that they resemble the symptoms of brief, childhood illnesses. However, in 50% of adolescents, EBV infection leads to infectious mononucleosis.

Research conducted at the University of Georgia indicates that mono is most commonly observed in patients aged 5 to 25 years, particularly those aged 16 to 20 years. Approximately one in 13 patients in this age group who complains of a sore throat has mono.

EBV infection among adolescents and young adults spreads primarily through deep kissing, according to researchers. It has also been suggested that sexual intercourse enhances transmission.

How preadolescent children contract EBV is unknown. Some studies suggest that they are infected by their parents or siblings who periodically shed EBV into their oral secretions.

How Contagious or Infectious Is Mono?

The virus that causes mono typically spreads through bodily fluids, especially saliva. However, mono can also spread through blood and semen during sexual contact, blood transfusions, and organ transplantations.

Most adults have been exposed to the Epstein-Barr virus and have developed antibodies, becoming immune and thus unable to contract mono again.

Although mono symptoms disappear, the infected person will always carry the virus that caused it. Once the virus enters your body, it remains in an inactive state.

It may become active again without causing any symptoms. At this time, you can spread the virus to others, regardless of how much time has passed since the initial infection, and you may not even be aware of it.

If you know that you have active mono, avoid passing it on to others by avoiding close contact until your mono symptoms have subsided. Refrain from kissing anyone and sharing items such as drinking glasses, drinking straws, eating utensils, lip balm, or toothbrushes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the virus can survive on an object at least as long as the object remains moist.

If you kissed or shared a glass with someone who has active mono, it does not mean that you will definitely experience mono symptoms. However, the virus does spread through saliva and other bodily fluids. Your best bet is to be cautious when around someone with mono symptoms.

Since it takes a few weeks for symptoms to appear, a person with the virus may spread mono without realizing it. However, anyone who has previously had the virus will not develop symptoms again because the body has developed immunity. Only those who have never had mono before should be concerned about contracting the virus.

How Long Does Mono Last?

Most people with mono recover within two to four weeks, but mono symptoms such as fatigue, enlarged lymph nodes, and a swollen spleen may persist for several weeks. Sometimes, fatigue, muscle pain, and a need for increased sleep can last for six months or even longer, even after the infection has resolved.

Like other viruses in the herpes family, EBV can remain dormant in your body without causing symptoms. It may reactivate at any time, especially during periods of stress.

A 2010 study published in Clinical and Experimental Medicine found that there was a significant difference in the rates of EBV infection and reactivation among participants with elevated epinephrine and cortisol levels, suggesting that increased stress hormones can trigger the dormant virus to reactivate.

Chronic active EBV infection is rare in all cases except in individuals with immune problems, such as those with HIV or who have undergone organ transplants.

Conventional Treatment

There is no specific treatment for the virus that commonly causes mono. Some people turn to pain medications to relieve mono symptoms. Since the illness is caused by a virus, antibiotics are ineffective.

Corticosteroids are often prescribed to treat inflammatory complications, such as airway obstruction or autoimmune phenomena. They are used to reduce swelling, redness, and itching.

There are some issues with taking corticosteroids. They can lower your resistance to infection and make infections more difficult to treat, and some possible side effects of corticosteroid use include increased appetite, indigestion, nervousness, and restlessness.

Over-the-counter pain medications are commonly used to relieve some mono symptoms such as headaches and body aches, but it should be noted that acetaminophen overdose is one of the most common poisoning worldwide. Adults should not take more than 4,000 milligrams of acetaminophen per day, and because many medications contain acetaminophen, you may take more than you realize if you use more than one type of medicine at a time.

Another thing to keep in mind when taking over-the-counter pain medications is that all painkillers interfere with the normal functions of the nervous system, changing the way our nerves communicate feelings of pain in certain areas of the body. When used to relieve pain associated with mono, which can last for weeks or even months, there is a high likelihood that you will take too much, potentially leading to multiple side effects and even poisoning.

Some doctors may recommend antiviral agents such as acyclovir and valacyclovir for the treatment of mono symptoms, especially in cases of severe infectious mononucleosis. However, approach these types of treatments with caution due to the potential risk of drug toxicity.

12 Natural Treatments For Mono

1. Astragalus Root

Astragalus is a major medicinal herb commonly used in many herbal formulations in traditional Chinese medicine to treat a wide variety of diseases and bodily disorders. It is a powerful immune-boosting plant that contains three extremely beneficial components: saponins, flavonoids, and polysaccharides. These components are responsible for the antiviral, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory capabilities of astragalus.

2. Echinacea

Many of the chemical constituents of echinacea are powerful immune system stimulants and can provide significant therapeutic value. Research shows that echinacea has antiviral effects and can be consumed to stop recurring infections. It also helps alleviate pain associated with headaches, sore throats, and body aches.

3. Raw Garlic

Raw garlic has antimicrobial and antiviral properties, which is why it is used to treat many infectious diseases. Eat one clove of raw garlic daily until your mono symptoms disappear. Crush the clove to release the allicin, the most beneficial compound in garlic.

4. Licorice Root

Licorice root is a powerful antiviral herb due to its triterpenoid content. It has immunostimulating effects and acts as a cough and sore throat remedy. It also helps to relieve pain, which is a common symptom of mononucleosis.

5. Olive Leaf

Olive leaf extract has the ability to treat dangerous viruses by destroying invading organisms and preventing viruses from replicating and causing an infection.

6. Probiotics

Probiotics aid in the healing of the gut and support the immune system. They can help reduce the risk of certain infectious diseases and enhance immune function. Research suggests that probiotics are able to decrease the risk or duration of respiratory infection symptoms and have antiviral mechanisms.

7. Vitamin B Complex

B vitamins help combat fatigue, boost energy, improve mood, and enhance cognitive function. Take a B vitamin complex supplement or consume foods rich in vitamin B6 and vitamin B12, such as wild salmon, raw cheese, raw milk, garlic, sweet potatoes, and bananas.

8. Healthy Diet

When suffering from mono symptoms, boost your immune system and support your body with healthy, anti-inflammatory foods. An anti-inflammatory diet includes omega-3 foods and antioxidant-rich foods, such as green leafy vegetables, beets, blueberries, bone broth, walnuts, and wild salmon.

For individuals with ongoing fatigue, adding magnesium-rich foods can be beneficial. These foods include spinach, chard, pumpkin seeds, yogurt, and kefir, almonds, black beans, avocados, figs, and bananas. Magnesium can help you overcome fatigue, increase your energy levels, and support healthy nerve function.

Potassium-rich foods also help you balance your electrolytes. These foods include sweet potatoes, acorn squash, white beans, and mushrooms.

9. Essential Oils

Essential oils can help relieve mono symptoms such as sore throat, headache, body aches, fatigue, and inflammation. One of the best essential oils for a sore throat is thyme oil. It is a strong antioxidant and has antimicrobial properties.

Oregano oil has antiviral effects, so it can be used to inhibit the spread of EBV. Eucalyptus oil can stimulate immunity and improve respiratory circulation. Lavender oil can help you relieve stress so that you can relax and recover.

10. Get Plenty of Rest

When you have mono, you need plenty of rest – your body will demand it. Do not resist the fatigue.

Take naps throughout the day and go to bed early. Avoid physical activity until you start to feel better.

It is also important to reduce stress. Consider taking a warm bath, reading an uplifting and inspiring book, or engaging in the hobbies you love, especially as you recover from mono.

11. Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is crucial as it helps remove toxins from the body to accelerate the healing process.

Avoid sports drinks or fruit juice. They contain sugar and chemicals that cause inflammation in the body, making it more difficult to heal itself.

Drinking plain water, coconut water, or herbal tea is ideal.

12. Avoid Contact Sports

Because the spleen may become enlarged with mono, it is advisable to avoid contact sports until your mono symptoms have completely disappeared. According to research published in the Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine, it is recommended that athletes resume contact sports after three weeks of illness as long as they have no ongoing signs or symptoms of an EBV infection.

Precautions

If you experience severe pain in the upper left part of your abdomen, it is possible that your enlarged spleen has ruptured and you should seek medical attention immediately. This is most likely to occur due to a blow to the abdomen, and it is rare under normal circumstances.

You should also seek medical attention if your tonsils become so swollen that it is difficult for you to breathe or swallow.

Final Thoughts

• Mononucleosis, also known as mono, is a viral infection that causes extreme fatigue, high fever, and swollen lymph nodes.
• Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is the most common cause of infectious mono symptoms, but other viruses can also cause this condition. EBV (also known as human herpesvirus 4) is one of eight viruses in the herpes family and is one of the most common viruses in humans.
• Mono is most commonly observed in patients aged 5 to 25 years, especially those aged 16 to 20 years.
• Most adults have already been exposed to the Epstein-Barr virus. They develop antibodies and become immune, so they will not contract mono again.
• Most people with mono recover within two to four weeks, but mono symptoms such as fatigue, enlarged lymph nodes, and a swollen spleen may persist for several weeks.
• There is no treatment for EBV, but home remedies can help alleviate the discomfort of mono. These include antiviral herbs, essential oils, plenty of fluids, rest, and a healthy diet.