Mononucleosis and long Covid: what natural treatments are there?
Many researchers believe that reactivation of infectious mononucleosis by the SARS-CoV-2 virus may be responsible for long Covid. How can this viral disease – which is spread by saliva and causes fatigue, sore throat and fever – be treated naturally?
Mononucleosis: recap on the ‘kissing disease’
The viral infection infectious mononucleosis is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a member of the herpes virus family(1). As EBV is extremely widespread, the body is often exposed to it in childhood and adolescence but remains symptom-free, though infection triggers the production of protective antibodies.
But in the absence of such infection at a young age, the body has no immunity. Exposure to the virus later in life thus causes infectious mononucleosis, or ‘mono’, key symptoms of which include high fever, intense fatigue, loss of appetite, muscle pain, and headaches. Mono can also cause a particularly painful sore throat (2).
Transmitted by saliva and coughing, infectious mononucleosis is often referred to as the ‘kissing disease’ (3).
Is mono responsible for long Covid?
We know that many illnesses, including mononucleosis, frequently lead to post-infection syndromes (4-5). Since the pandemic, a number of scientists have therefore been looking at a potential link connecting interactions between Covid and various infections, and long Covid.
In a study published in the journal Pathogens in June 2021 (6), a group of researchers set out to test a hypothesis concerning long Covid. They theorised that the inflammatory response to infection with Covid-19 might provoke a reactivation of the Epstein-Barr virus, present in 90% of adults.
A reactivation such as this would explain the symptoms experienced by 1 in 3 patients after recovery from initial COVID-19 infection: fatigue, skin rashes, brain fog, etc.
Having indeed identified a relationship between SARS-CoV-2 and EBV reactivation, the study’s authors recommend the systematic testing of newly-positive Covid patients for evidence of EBC reactivation so that mononucleosis symptoms can be treated as early as possible and thus inhibit the development of long Covid and its impact on patients.
What treatments exist for infectious mononucleosis?
Since infectious mononucleosis is a viral infection, there are unfortunately no effective treatments (the few antivirals that do exist are not generally recommended) (7).
Paracetamol and anti-inflammatories are, however, often prescribed for symptom relief, especially fever and headaches. Rest and proper hydration are also recommended.
Whatever the circumstances, if you suspect you have contracted infectious mononucleosis, arrange to see your doctor for a blood test - the only way to obtain a confirmed diagnosis.
Natural treatments for mononucleosis
While no miracle cure exists for infectious mononucleosis, there are natural treatments that can help relieve certain symptoms and also support your immunity.
To combat the intense fatigue associated with mono, the ever-essential vitamin C is likely to prove invaluable, particularly in winter. For energy metabolism, the immune system, psychological function, reducing fatigue, etc.: vitamin C is your ‘go-to’ health ally. Doctors often recommend it to help their patients get back on their feet.
Similarly, vitamin D supports healthy immune system function, and supplementation is practically essential, especially in winter (8).
Supplementing with magnesium, which helps to reduce fatigue and supports normal nervous system and psychological function, has also proved invaluable in cases of overwhelming fatigue. Remember too that magnesium deficiency is particularly widespread.
Last but not least, Ayurvedic medicine has provided us a very useful adaptogen plant: ginseng. Helping to reduce fatigue, maintain vitality, and support both the immune system as well as cerebral performance and reactivity, the root of this medicinal plant offers solutions for multiple symptoms (9).
SUPERSMART ADVICE
References
- EBELL, Mark H. Epstein-Barr virus infectious mononucleosis. American family physician, 2004, vol. 70, no 7, p. 1279-1287.
- VOULOUMANOU, Evridiki K., RAFAILIDIS, Petros I., et FALAGAS, Matthew E. Current diagnosis and management of infectious mononucleosis. Current opinion in hematology, 2012, vol. 19, no 1, p. 14-20.
- HOAGLAND, Robert J., et al.The transmission of infectious mononucleosis. American Journal of Medical Sciences, 1955, vol. 229, no 3, p. 262-72.
- ELIGIO, Pizzigallo, DELIA, Racciatti, et VALERIA, Gorgoretti. EBV chronic infections. Mediterranean journal of hematology and infectious diseases, 2010, vol. 2, no 1.
- HOTCHIN, N. A., READ, R., SMITH, D. G., et al.Active Epstein-Barr virus infection in post-viral fatigue syndrome. Journal of Infection, 1989, vol. 18, no 2, p. 143-150.
- GOLD, Jeffrey E., OKYAY, Ramazan A., LICHT, Warren E., et al.Investigation of long COVID prevalence and its relationship to Epstein-Barr virus reactivation. Pathogens, 2021, vol. 10, no 6, p. 763.
- BAILEY, R. E. Diagnosis and treatment of infectious mononucleosis. American family physician, 1994, vol. 49, no 4, p. 879-888.
- BAE, Minkyung et KIM, Hyeyoung. The role of vitamin C, vitamin D, and selenium in immune system against COVID-19. Molecules, 2020, vol. 25, no 22, p. 5346.
- NOCERINO, Emilia, AMATO, Marianna, et IZZO, Angelo A. The aphrodisiac and adaptogenic properties of ginseng. Fitoterapia, 2000, vol. 71, p. S1-S5.
Keywords
2 Days
Easy to order
Easy to order, good and fast delivery to Finland, the box was intact and the content exactly what I ordered. I am satisfied. Product prices are on moderate level. Thank you Supersmart!
VIITANEN Esa
6 Days
Fine quality service
Thanks to team who met what I need such as trust, good packages and fast delivery. Regarding products it is too early to give a comment. After using for a while, I gonna update my review. I had bought supplements mostly for autism.
Fatma Coltu
7 Days
efficient easy to use
efficient eqsy to use
Mr G Birtles
13 Days
Quick processing orders…
You are so quick in processing orders and prompt in shipping too. Very easy to do business with you. Thanks a lot for your great service.
JOAQUIN Epifanio
19 Days
I am merely judging the delivery system
I am merely judging the delivery system, which was flawless. It wouldn't make any sense to comment on the efficacy of the supplements, since that is only possible on a statistical basis. Even if something doesn't improve, that doesn't have to mean that the supplement doesn't work, since one doesn't know how it might have worsened without the supplement and the opposite might also apply, since many symptoms are psychosomatic and the supplement might provide a placebo effect.
Roger De Backer
27 Days
Perfect!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Perfect!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Patrick
29 Days
Magnesium and Zinc Orotate are top…
Magnesium and Zinc Orotate are top supplements. Highly recommend!
Kristjan
39 Days
Clean, simple, effective
Nothing to complain. Delivers everything fast, attentive to their regular customers. Best experience.
FABIO I.
43 Days
Possibility to enjoy a variety of high…
Possibility to enjoy a variety of high quality suppléments. Fast delivery Good packaging Clear information and website
Vov Oo
45 Days
Efficient ordering and delivery
Efficient ordering and delivery. Happy with products. I order fairly regularly. Reliable
Gill Lee
45 Days
Happy customer.
Supersmart sell the best products and are effecient when it come to handling and dispatching orders. Also, their return and refund policies is very simple and easy for the customer. The creme on top is the return customer discounts. Keep up the good work.
ABDULQADER Jehad
49 Days
Prompt and reliable.
Prompt and reliable.
MIFSUD Joseph
55 Days
great? / OK
I don't use the word great; everything was OK; it is maybe too early to expect an effect of the supplements
STAEHLI C
62 Days
Well,It was yesterday I started using…
Well,It was yesterday I started using it but I can tell the supplement is working perfect,will definitely still give best comments once I'm done using it ...
ANTHONY Oluwaseun Ugwu
63 Days
Great products
Great products, fast delivery.
Nujood ALHADDAD