How to Treat Mononucleosis

Mononucleosis is an infectious viral disease caused by the Epstein-Barr virus and, on rare occasions, by cytomegalovirus (CMV). There is no cure for it, and it usually clears up on its on without causing any complications.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Dandelion Leaves
• Popsicles
• Bottled Water
• Fruit Juices
• Salt
• Dandelion Roots
• Echinacea
• Multivitamins
• Throat Lozenges
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E

1. Rest. That is probably the single most important thing you can do. Do not fight the urge to sleep.

2. Stay in bed during the acute phase of the illness if you are feeling very ill and fatigued. Your body is telling you what it needs in order to heal.

3. Drink plenty of fluids to keep from getting dehydrated. Drink water or fresh juice.

4. Gargle with warm salt water if you have a sore throat. Suck on throat lozenges, hard candy or Popsicles.

5. Eat soft, nonspicy foods if your throat is sore.

6. Maintain good nutrition. It is important to boost your immune system. Eat several small meals a day. It is easier on the digestive system and may be better tolerated while you are sick.

7. Avoid junk food. It depresses your immune system.

8. Use the herbs astagalus and echinacea. They are available as a tea, in capsules or as a tincture. They boost immune function.

9. Take dandelion and milk thistle herbs to protect the liver, which is sometimes affected by mononucleosis. They are available as a tincture, tea or capsules.

10. Take a high-potency multivitamin.

11. Take Vitamin C with bioflavonoids, 5,000mg daily, in divided doses to strengthen the immune system.

12. Use Vitamin E, 400-800 IU per day. It is needed for immune system functioning.

13. Use Vitamin A, 50,000 IU per day for 2 weeks only, and then slowly reduce down to 10,000 IU. It is essential for immune functioning.

14. Take a fever reducer, such as ibuprofen, aspirin or acetominophen to relieve fever and aches/pains. Do not give aspirin to children under 18 because of its association with Reye's syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal disease.

Tips & Warnings

• Antibiotics are ineffective against mononucleosis because it is caused by a virus. They are prescribed only if there is a secondary bacterial infection, such as an ear infection or strep throat.

• Mononucleosis is often mistaken for the flu because the symptoms are similar. A blood test is needed to confirm the presence of mononucleosis. The acute symptoms last between two and four weeks, but the fatigue can continue for several weeks or even months.

• Most cases resolve without complications, but mononucleosis can cause problems with the spleen and liver.

• If you get sudden sharp pains in the left upper abdomen, if breathing and/or swallowing becomes increasingly difficult, or if you spike a fever over 103 F, contact your doctor immediately.

• If you have any questions or concerns, contact a physician or other health care professional before engaging in any activity related to health and diet. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.