It has also been associated with nasopharyngeal cancer , a cancer that occurs in the back of the throat area. However, EBV is not the only cause of these cancers. It is extremely rare for people infected with EBV to ever develop either of these cancers. EBV is spread through contact with the saliva of the infected person. Otherwise healthy people are not treated for mononucleosis unless complications occur.
Rest is important during the early stage of the infection.
Strenuous exercise or contact sports should be avoided during this time to prevent rupture of the spleen . Oral corticosteroids, such as prednisone, are sometimes used to treat very large lymph nodes or tonsils . Antiviral agents like acyclovir may sometimes be used in complicated cases. Corticosteroids may cause bleeding, increased risk for infection, and bone thinning. Symptoms of mononucleosis can last for weeks but usually resolve.