From the Research
Patient education for infectious mononucleosis should focus on rest, symptom management, and preventing transmission, with a strong emphasis on avoiding contact sports and heavy lifting for at least 8 weeks or until cleared by a healthcare provider, as recommended by the most recent study 1.
Key Recommendations
- Patients should get adequate rest for several weeks while their body fights the infection, gradually returning to normal activities as energy levels improve.
- For symptom management, acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can be taken as directed for fever and pain.
- Throat pain can be relieved with salt water gargles (1/4 teaspoon salt in 8 ounces warm water) or throat lozenges.
- Patients should stay hydrated and maintain nutrition with soft, easy-to-swallow foods if throat pain is severe.
- Alcohol should be avoided completely during recovery since the liver is affected by the virus.
- To prevent spreading the infection, patients should avoid kissing or sharing utensils, food, drinks, or personal items with others.
- Most symptoms improve within 2-4 weeks, though fatigue may persist longer.
- Patients should contact their healthcare provider if they experience severe abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, extreme weakness, or if symptoms worsen or don't improve after several weeks.
Rationale
The recommendation to avoid contact sports and heavy lifting for at least 8 weeks is based on the study by 1, which suggests that the risk of splenic rupture remains elevated for a longer period than previously thought. This study provides the most recent and highest quality evidence on the topic, and its recommendations should be prioritized to minimize the risk of complications and ensure the best possible outcomes for patients with infectious mononucleosis. Additionally, the study by 2 highlights the importance of warning patients about the symptoms of splenic rupture, such as abdominal pain, to ensure prompt presentation and minimize treatment delay.