Mononucleosis, glandular fever, the kissing disease, mono, and Pfeiffer’s Disease are all names of a viral disease caused by the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), which is a member of the herpes virus family. This highly infectious disease is spread through saliva, which is through kissing, coughing and sneezing, drinking from the same glass, and sharing utensils with an infected person. Symptoms of mononucleosis include fever, fatigue, sore throat, weight loss, and inflamed and tender lymph glands. Though more common in young adults, children are just as much at a risk of contracting mono. However, it usually goes undetected in children as it’s mistaken for strep throat or flu, because of similarity in symptoms. Mononucleosis causes fever for about two weeks and often weakness for over a month. The infection can be diagnosed only through a blood test, and if left untreated for long, it can cause inflamed liver and enlarged spleen.
There is no medical treatment to cure mononucleosis, and unfortunately, the virus doesn’t leave the body completely and can act up anytime, especially if the immune system is worn-out. Rest is the only cure, especially bed rest till the fever and fatigue last. The child should sleep as much as possible, and should completely avoid sports or strenuous physical activity till the mononucleosis is completely cured to avoid rupturing of spleen. Also it’s very important to keep the child’s body hydrated. So, making him drink lots of water or juices is very important. The immune system needs to be strengthened in order to combat the virus. So you should give your child as many fresh and raw vegetables and fruits as possible. Gargling with a glass of warm water and ½ a teaspoon of salt at least thrice a day will also provide relief from sore throat. Taking raw garlic also fights the infection – you can use it as a garnish or ask the child to chew it raw.
Aromatherapy is sometimes thought to help reduce fatigue. Make a warm bath with two-three drops of eucalyptus oil, lavender oil, or bergamot oil, and have the child soak his body in the tub for about 20 minutes. The sufferer can also take products with olive leaf extract, which has antiviral and antioxidant properties. Milk thistle is also very beneficial for those suffering from mono, as it contains the liver-protecting element silymarin. However, give these to your child only after consulting your doctor. Also, after mono has been cured, you need to get your child re-assessed by your doctor.