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Usually, there is no medical treatment for mononucleosis (mono). In most cases, patients may be advised to get adequate rest and drink plenty of fluids. Antibiotics are not used because they are not effective against viral infections such as mono. Depending on the severity of the infection, it may take two to three months before a person is fully recovered.

However, antibiotics may be used to treat infections that sometimes accompany mono. These may include strep throat, sinus infection or an infection of the tonsils (tonsillitis). Some physicians prescribe corticosteroid medications to treat symptoms such as swelling of the throat and tonsils.

Self-care tips associated with mono include drinking plenty of water and fruit juices, gargling with salt water to relieve a sore throat and taking over-the-counter pain relievers. People should never take any medication without first consulting a physician. In particular, children should never be given aspirin, which can result in a rare but potentially fatal disorder known as Reye syndrome.

Proper rest is the key to recovery from mono. People who rush back to activity can trigger a relapse. For this reason, people are urged to avoid vigorous activity until a physician approves a return to such activity. In particular, it is important to avoid contact sports, because this increases the risk of a ruptured spleen.

Because mono is spread through saliva, people are urged to avoid certain types of contact with people who are infected with the Epstein-Barr virus. This includes avoiding kissing or sharing food, beverages, eating utensils and other personal items that may have come into contacted with the infected person’s mouth.

The length of time a person with mono is contagious is unclear, although it is believed to be for the duration of infection as well as some time afterward. That is why some preventive measures, such as avoiding open-mouth kissing, may be recommended for up to six months after infection to avoid its spread.