If you think your child has the symptoms of mononucleosis, called “mono,” and caused by the horrible Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), then it is important to know how the disease is diagnosed and treated. Mono can be diagnosed fairly easily with simple blood tests. First, the doctor will perform a physical examination to check for swelling of the tonsils and glands, as well as the spleen as mono is a major cause of inflammation of the spleen. The doctor will also ask about the energy level of your child, as mono is a disease that makes you very tired.

If there are indications of mono, the doctor will then order a “mono spot test” for your child. All this test does is look for the presence of the EBV and will also rule out other causes of the symptoms your child is experiencing. If the results are positive, then you must begin treating mono.

To treat mono involves a lot of home remedies. The doctor will not prescribe any medication for most cases, however, if the symptoms are severe enough your child will need to take something like corticosteroids to reduce the swelling of the tonsils, other glands and spleen if applicable. Other than that, the treatment calls for lots of rest. Normal things like Advil and Tylenol can be given to combat fever and pain.