The mono blog

The main medical approach to treating the Epstein Barr virus that causes mononucleosis is to relieve symptoms. Advice normally given is to rest, drink plenty of fluids, gargle with salt water and suck on throat lozenges to relieve a sore throat. To relieve pain and fever, acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be recommended.

Antibiotics like penicillin are of no help in mono. Mono is caused by a virus, and antibiotics don’t work against viruses. If you have a bacterial infection in addition to having mono, your doctor may give you an antibiotic. Antibiotics should never be given without a positive bacterial test coming back first. Certain antibiotics like ampicillin or amoxicillin can cause a pink, measles-like rash if you take them while you have mono.

To avoid rupturing the spleen, patients are normally advised to avoid sports and exercise for about 3 to 4 weeks after the infection starts.

Corticosteroids may be prescribed in the rare cases of airway obstruction, hemolytic anemia (an auto immune process in which red blood cells are destroyed), severe thrombocytopenia (a decrease in platelets, which are clotting components in the blood), hepatitis (inflammation of the liver caused by the virus), and complications involving the heart and nerves.

The alternative natural treatment for Epstein Barr gives good results for those with acute or chronic Epstein Barr. The natural treatment aims to support your immune system with vitamins, minerals, herbs, an immune-boosting diet, homeopathy, essential oils and stress reduction. These therapies are discussed in the e-book “Nature’s Amazing Mononucleosis Cures” by qualified naturopath Elizabeth Noble.