Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a type of herpes virus. It commonly causes acute infectious mononucleosis, with symptoms that include sore throat, fever, and enlarged lymph nodes. Infectious mononucleosis is a self-limited illness and does not usually require specific therapy. However, there are treatments available to help with some of the symptoms if you do encounter the disease.
NSAIDS
It is common for you to get fever, sore throats, neck pain, and various body aches from mononucleosis. According to a 2001 report published in "Clinical Cornerstone," nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) are used to treat fever and discomfort that goes along with this condition. Ibuprofen is an NSAID that is commonly used in over-the-counter pain medications. NSAIDs do not treat the cause of the disease, but they can provide you with brief relief from the symptoms.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids, such as prednisone or dexamethasone, also do not significantly alter the course of mononucleosis. They are potent anti-inflammatory medications and are used to treat more severe symptoms of this disease. According to the National Center for Emergency Medical Informatics, corticosteroids can be useful to decrease the size of tonsils and lymph nodes in cases of airway obstruction. You should only use those medications in cases of more severe disease, as they do have more side effects than other anti-inflammatory medications.
Antiviral Medications
Antiviral medications can inhibit EBV replication. However, in a study published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases, antiviral medications were not shown to help people with uncomplicated infectious mononucleosis. Those medications are used for more severe consequences of EBV infection, especially in people with a compromised immune system, such as those infected with HIV. Such drugs include acyclovir and ganciclovir.
References
- "Understanding NSAIDs: From aspirin to COX-2"; Gary Green; Clinical Cornerstone; May 2005
- National Center for Emergency Medical Informatics: Mononucleosis
- "Effect of acyclovir on infectious mononucleosis"; Jan Andersson; Journal of Infectious Diseases; February 1986
