Currently, there is no cure for the mono virus. Antibiotics cannot be used to treat mono because they are not effective against viral infections. The best thing that you can do to recover quickly and completely from the mononucleosis virus is to get adequate bed rest and refrain from overworking yourself.

It is important not to be too active while you have mono. Your body needs all the energy it can get to fight the virus and deal with symptoms. If you push yourself too hard, the infection can become more severe and last even longer.

Here are a few things you can do at home to help your body recover:

• Get at least 10 to 12 hours of sleep a day
• Drink lots of fluids to remain hydrated and to relieve your sore throat
• Gargle with salt water several times daily
• Avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine
• Maintain a balanced diet, low in refined sugars and starches
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as aspirin or ibuprofen to help your fever and sore throat
• Avoid physical contact or sports that could cause your spleen to rupture

If you are experiencing a severe sore throat, it is possible that you may have a secondary infection such as tonsillitis. Because bacteria cause these infections, antibiotics can be used to treat them. Your doctor will recommend an appropriate course of action. If you are having severe swelling of your tonsils your doctor may prescribe a steroid in order to reduce the swelling and make it easier for you to breathe.

If you find that your symptoms are still persistent after three months, visit your doctor for a checkup. It is possible to get chronic mononucleosis. Sufferers of chronic mono will have recurrent symptoms and episodes of fatigue and weakness.