Jan 13 2009
Duration of Epstein Barr Virus (mononucleosis or glandular fever)
How long does Epstein Barr virus (mononucleosis or glandular fever) last?
Symptoms of the Epstein Barr virus that causes mononucleosis or glandular fever, usually last from 1 – 4 weeks, although some cases may last months. Studies amongst university populations have estimated that 20% of mononucleosis patients return to work within one week, 50% within 2 weeks.
It is estimated that about half of those who initially experience symptoms have ongoing symptoms two months after infection. At three months, about one in three sufferers reports symptoms, and at six months the figure is about one in ten. Twenty-four months after infection a small percentage of people still report symptoms, predominantly ongoing fatigue, although sore throat, swollen glands, muscle aches and low grade fever can linger.
Generally, people only get mono once. However about 6% of people experience a recurrence of the symptoms for months or years after they initially contact the virus.
Cyclical reactivation of the virus with serious symptoms can be a sign of immunological abnormalities in a small number of people. Usually the longer symptoms are experienced for, the more the infection weakens the person’s immune system and the longer they will need to recover.
If this sounds like you, then the most effective approach is 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.
10 responses so far
sir, my age is 28 and i am infected by EVB. i’m suffering from 7 months. now my problem is my finger is swollen and i can’tbend them and also have persistent fever. please suggest me to overome. thank you
Hi,
Sorry you are suffering with EBV and its side effects. For any kind of swelling I recommend a natural fresh food diet which focuses on the anti-inflammatory foods like ginger, turmeric, fish oils, cayenne and raw pineapple. Plenty of pure water and alkalising vegetables will also help. Fever is your body’s way of fighting infection so should not be suppressed. Try and support your immune system with supplements like vitamin C, zinc and selenium. If your fever persists it is worth seeing your doctor to make sure you have not picked up a secondary infection.
Best Wishes
Elizabeth
Sir,
I am a 52 year old female who has recently been diagnosed with mono about 3-4 weeks ago thru a blood test which I understand is rare in older people. I do not have the fever or sore throat but I am weak and tired on and off to the point I can’t get out of bed. How long should I be resting, my doctor says to apply for family medical leave do I really need that long. Some days I feel great.
Hi Dee,
Thanks for your post. Sorry to hear you have been diagnosed with mono. It is rare to get in your 50′s – most people get it in their teens or earlier.
Everyone is different but most people take a good month or two to fully recover from mono. Resting your body, getting a good night’s sleep, drinking plenty of water and eating a fresh food diet will help. Adding some B vitamins, magnesium and vitamin C can help
restore your energy levels. It is promising you are having some good days – hopefully they will become more frequent.
Best Wishes
Elizabeth
Hi,
I am 24 yrs old, girl.
I am suffering Mono 3 weeks, until now I do not see any recover signal….my lymph nodes getting more and big as well..
I do not have feverm sore throat, not so fatigue also.
I done a blood test, White blood cells shows low, only 2.4…
Hb and PCV also shows low.
I am quite worry…am I getting leukemia some things like tat?
your reply is appreciated.
Hi Ms Lim,
Sorry to hear you have mono. It is not unusual for the symptoms to last several weeks. The swollen glands indicate your body is killing and filtering the virus from your system. To help your recovery the best thing is plenty of rest and sleep, a fresh food diet and some immune-boosting supplements like vitamin C, zinc, echinacea and garlic. If you feel you are not seeing improvements within another week or so then visiting a naturopath or holistic doctor would be advisable.
Best Wishes
Elizabeth
Hello. I am a 17 year old female. I have been recently diagnosed although I have been suffering with this for over a year. Doctors previously said I was making this up for attention. I have heard of chronic mono, how long does that last and do you think I have it? Also any suggestions?
I sleep 13+ hours a day and still am exhausted
I have terrible leg pain that is debilitating
I also have depression
Hi Lauren,
Thank you for your post. Sorry to hear you are ill with mono. It is usually classified as chronic when it lingers for more than 6 months. Fortunately there is a lot you can do with natural therapies to help your recovery.
Your priority is to get your immune system fighting off the virus with high dose vitamin C, zinc, and vitamin A. You will also need to repair your adrenal glands with magnesium, the B complex and plenty of rest. Magnesium supplements and Epsom salt baths (2 cups to a hot bath) may relieve the leg pain. If not, a chiroparactor or osteopath may be able to work out what is going on.
A low carb, high protein diet with lots of fresh fruit, vegetables and pure water is important. Some anti-inflammatory foods and anti-viral herbs will also help.
If your symptoms persist you may need to do some liver cleansing in order to clear the virus from your system.
All these techniques are outlined in my e-book and have been used with good results by many patients who have had similar conditions. The assistance of a good holistic doctor or naturopath is recommended.
I hope this answers your questions.
Kind Regards
Elizabeth
My 10 year old niece had mono three years ago. She’s recently been out of school for 5 weeks with what is diagnosed as a mono-like virus. Low grade fever, painful swollen glands, headaches, fatigue. Her white blood count is very low. There is virtually no improvement from day to day. Doctors wanted to try prednasone, but parents refused due to side effects and doctor said it may not help. She’s started antibiotics because it has “possibly” gone bacterial. Is it normal to go on this long?
Hi Teri,
Thank you for your post. Sorry to hear your niece has been ill. It can be a very worrying time. It does sound like Epstein Barr virus or a similar virus like cytomegalovirus. EBV is a latent virus that can relapse after the initial infection. Antibiotics will only help if it is a bacterial infection. Prednasone can suppress the symptoms but will also lower the immune system’s ability to fight the infection.
Fortunately there is a lot you can do with natural therapies to help your niece’s recovery. The priority is to get her immune system fighting off the virus with high dose vitamin C, zinc, and vitamin A. You will also need to repair her adrenal glands with magnesium and the B complex.
A low carb, high protein diet with lots of fresh fruit, vegetables and pure water is important. Some anti-inflammatory foods and anti-viral herbs will also help. If her symptoms persist she may need to do some liver cleansing in order to clear the virus from her system.
All these techniques are outlined in my e-book and have been used with good results by many patients who have had similar conditions. With the e-book, you also get free email support for 30 days if you need further guidance on individual concerns.
I hope this answers your questions.
Kind Regards
Elizabeth Noble