A virus similar to the common cold causes infectious mononucleosis, also known as mono or the kissing disease, according to MayoClinic.com. The condition transmits through saliva by kissing, but also by sharing utensils and glasses or through airborne droplets when someone sneezes or coughs. Mono causes a variety of symptoms, including severe fatigue, sore throat, fever and swollen lymph nodes in the neck and armpit, as well as a swollen spleen. The average length of symptoms is between two and six weeks, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Because the Epstein-Barr virus causes mono, antibiotic therapy is ineffective. No other cure exists. A variety of home treatment remedies may decrease the severity of symptoms.
Sore Throat Remedies
Gargling with a salt water rinse relieves a sore, itchy throat commonly seen in mono patients. Individuals should repeat the rinse as often as needed to relieve pain, recommends MayoClinic.com. The clinic advises creating a rinse by mixing ½ tsp. with 8 oz. of warm water and stirring well. A person should swish and gargle the solution, but never swallow the rinse. Additional remedies to treat a sore throat include sucking on hard lozenges or flavored ice pops.
Increase Fluid Intake and Rest
Decrease fever, risk of dehydration and throat irritation by consuming plenty of liquids. Avoid caffeine and alcoholic beverages, which increase dehydration. A person should increase rest and avoid strenuous activities. Familydoctor.org advises that sleep helps the body fight infection. The website adds that mono sufferers should avoid sports, physical activity and exercise until a medical doctor considers the activities safe.
Herbs
A variety of herbal medications boosts the body's immune system. According to Dr.Weil.com, taking astragalus, a traditional Chinese herb, assists the body in fighting the infection. Colds and coughs are commonly treated with astragalus, and the website suggests taking two capsules twice a day, unless otherwise directed.
Additionally, echinacea may also help mono victims, suggests the website. Dr.Weil.com suggests a person suffering from mono mix 1 tsp. of echinacea tincture with a glass of water. The solution should be consumed four times a day. A person should take the herbal remedies until all symptoms disappear.
