Mononucleosis
Infectious mononucleosis
What it is
Mononucleosis is a common viral illness caused by a virus. It is usually not serious but often causes severe fatigue.
What you can do at home
What to do
- Get as much rest as possible.
- Keep the air in the home clean and slightly humid, at 30% to 50% humidity.
- To relieve a sore throat, see the Sore Throat health advice sheet.
- To relieve pain, take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil). When in doubt, ask a pharmacist for advice.
Important: Ibuprofen is contraindicated for children under 6 months of age.
To prevent spreading the infection
- Wash hands often.
- Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects.
To stay hydrated and nourished
- Drink plenty of water unless a healthcare professional advises otherwise.
- Drink warm fluids, such as broth.
- Eat several small meals, even when appetite is reduced. Choose a variety of nutritious foods.
- For babies and young children: Offer breast milk, formula, or other fluids often.
Avoid
- Smoke, dust, and strong odours
- Sharing food or objects that may come into contact with saliva
When to seek medical attention
Symptoms after contact with someone who has mononucleosis
Need help?
Call Info-Santé at 811, Option 1, to speak with a nurse at any time.
Go to the pharmacy for advice on medications or treatment.
Make an appointment at your medical clinic or CLSC.
If you do not have a family doctor, go to gap.soinsvirtuels or call 811, Option 3.
When to go to the hospital right away
Unable to swallow saliva or water
Sudden, severe abdominal pain or severe abdominal pain after an injury, such as a blow or accident
Rapid changes in general condition, such as:
- unusual fatigue or difficulty staying awake
- reduced responsiveness
- confusion, agitation or unusual behaviour
- hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not real)
- reduced appetite or thirst
- difficulty carrying out normal daily activities
Severe difficulty breathing, especially with the following symptoms:
- breathing becomes increasingly difficult, even at rest
- the skin, lips or fingers are blue or bluish (cyanosis)
- there is a high-pitched or wheezing sound when breathing (stridor)
- the chest or abdomen pulls inward with each breath (retractions)
- in babies and children under 2 years of age: the nostrils flare with each breath
Severe abdominal pain
Signs of internal bleeding, such as:
- severe weakness or fatigue
- pale, cold, clammy skin
- very rapid heartbeat