Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) Infectious Mononucleosis (Mono) Treatment & Management

Updated: Apr 21, 2021
  • Author: Kartika Shetty, MD, FACP; Chief Editor: Michael Stuart Bronze, MD  more...
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Treatment

Medical Care

Closely monitor patients with extreme tonsillar enlargement for airway obstruction. Steroids are indicated for impending or established airway obstruction in individuals with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infectious mononucleosis.

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Surgical Care

Surgery is necessary for spontaneous splenic rupture, which occurs in rare patients with EBV infectious mononucleosis and may be the initial manifestation of the condition.

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Consultations

Consult an infectious disease specialist in all but the most straightforward cases of EBV infectious mononucleosis.

Consulting a hematologist may be necessary if unusual hematologic manifestations of EBV infectious mononucleosis are present (eg, in anemia to determine the cause of the patient's anemia).

Consulting a neurologist is advised for patients with potential CNS involvement.

Consultation with a cardiologist is advised for the rare patients with EBV infectious mononucleosis who have presumed myocarditis.

Consult a gastroenterologist for patients with EBV-induced acalculous cholecystitis or if anicteric hepatitis is in the differential diagnoses.

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Diet

Normal diet is appropriate.

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Activity

Patients with acute EBV mononucleosis should be advised to refrain from active physical activity for 3 weeks.

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