From the Research
If symptoms of mononucleosis are not improving, the next steps include consulting a healthcare provider for further evaluation and potential supportive treatments, with a focus on managing symptoms and preventing complications, as recommended by the most recent study 1. The provider may recommend increased rest, adequate hydration, and over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen (400-600 mg every 6-8 hours) to manage fever and sore throat. Some key points to consider in the management of mononucleosis include:
- Avoiding strenuous physical activity and contact sports for at least 8 weeks or while splenomegaly is still present, as recommended by 1
- Monitoring for severe complications, such as extreme difficulty breathing, severe dehydration, or signs of splenic rupture (sharp pain in the upper left abdomen), which may require immediate emergency care
- Using corticosteroids, such as prednisone, judiciously, particularly in cases of significant throat swelling that affects breathing or swallowing, as suggested by 2
- Recognizing that most cases of mononucleosis resolve with time and supportive care, and that antibiotics are not effective unless there is a secondary bacterial infection, as noted in 3 and 4 It is essential to prioritize supportive care and monitor for potential complications, rather than relying on antiviral or antibiotic treatments, which have limited benefit in most cases of mononucleosis, as highlighted by 1 and 4.