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Mononucleosis Complications

Table of Contents


Overview

Most people recover from mononucleosis (mono) without any complications. But there are many possible complications of mono. These include:

Other complications of mono can occur but are very rare. These include:

While it is not a complication specific to mono, a serious disease known as Reye syndrome can develop if you give aspirin to a person younger than 20 to treat symptoms of mono. Aspirin should not be used to treat symptoms of mono. Other medicines, such as acetaminophen (for example, Tylenol) or ibuprofen (for example, Advil) can help relieve fever and pain caused by mono. Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.

Even if you have a complication of mono, it is likely that you will recover completely.


References

Citations

  1. Levin MJ, Weinberg A (2012). Infections: Viral and rickettsial. In WW Hay Jr et al., eds., Current Diagnosis and Treatment: Pediatrics, 21st ed., pp. 1177–1219. New York: McGraw-Hill.
  2. American Academy of Pediatrics (2012). Epstein-Barr virus infections (infectious mononucleosis). In LK Pickering et al., eds., Red Book: 2012 Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases, 29th ed., pp. 318–321. Elk Grove Village, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics.

Credits for Mononucleosis Complications

Current as of: June 12, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
Clinical Review Board (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
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