there is no specific treatment available for glandular fever. The reason why some children remain unwell for many weeks, or sometimes many months, is unclear.
symptoms usually settle in 2-3 weeks (1)
the mainstay of treatment for infectious mononucleosis includes
good supportive care
adequate hydration
for fever and myalgias:
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs)
paracetamol / acetaminophen
to relieve throat discomfort
throat lozenges
sprays
gargling with a 2%lidocaine (Xylocaine) solution
advice the patients that:
exclusion from school is not required for affected children (4)
vigorous activity should be avoided for at least three to four weeks (until splenomegaly resolves) due to risk of splenic rupture (1)
drugs not prescribed in IM include
Ampicillin and amoxycillin should not be used if there is any possibility of EBV infection as they cause a rash. Penicillin is apparently safer (2)
corticosteroids (3) - except in patients with impending airway obstruction, profound thrombocytopenia, haemolytic anaemia, severe cardiac involvement or neurologic disease (1,3)
Aciclovir – provides minimal benefit in management of IM (1)
Urgent medical referral may be required in patients with
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