Positive test results usually continue for three to six months, but in some cases may last for up to one year after illness. In most cases, the spleen enlarges and a mild abnormality of the liver enzymes occurs. In general, the frequency of severe complications of mono is very low. An antibiotic is also prescribed when the mono sufferer has a streptococcal throat infection. A student with high fever and malaise may be encouraged to spend a few days at home until the fever ends.
Studies show steroids are beneficial in decreasing severe swelling in the throat.
If swallowing becomes a problem, a short course of steroid therapy may be advised. Because symptoms may recur when therapy is terminated, routine use of steroids should be avoided. It is common medical practice to restrict participation in sports while convalescing from mono because of the risk of splenic rupture. The length of the restricted activity period varies. Most sufferers of infectious mononucleosis have slight liver enzyme changes indicating a mild inflammatory process.