Mononucleosis: Does Mono Mean No Exercise?

Answering: Does Mono Mean No Exercise?

In this article, we’ll walk you through the key aspects of mononucleosis and answer whether having mono means taking a break from exercising.

But first, what is Mononucleosis?

Mononucleosis, often called “mono,” is a viral infection most commonly caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).

It’s sometimes referred to as the “kissing disease” because it spreads through saliva, but you can also catch it through other means, like sharing utensils or drinks.

Symptoms of Mononucleosis include:

• Sore throat: Often the first symptom to appear.
• Fever: A common sign that accompanies the infection.
• Swollen lymph nodes: Typically seen in the neck and underarms.
• Unusual fatigue: Feeling more tired than usual, which can be quite draining.
• General discomfort: Even though mono is usually not serious, it can make you feel quite miserable and slow down your recovery.

If you suspect you might have mono, it’s a good idea to see your doctor for a proper diagnosis and advice on managing the illness.

Incubation Period and Recovery

Mononucleosis has an incubation period of one to two months. Once symptoms appear, recovery can take an additional four to six weeks.

Until your physician tells you it is safe to resume more strenuous workouts, avoid any but the mildest exercise (e.g., short walks).

Answer: Yes, mono means no exercise.

Here’s Why:

– Prolonged Symptoms

Mono already puts a significant strain on your body, and adding the stress of exercise can overwhelm your immune system.

It is important to avoid exercise because too much activity during the first weeks of mono can make symptoms linger longer and be more severe than they otherwise would. This is true whether you initially feel fatigued or not.

– Risk of Complications

In many mono patients, the spleen—a large blood-filtering gland located in the upper-left part of your abdomen—becomes enlarged.

Participating in contact sports or simply moving around too much can put you at risk for a ruptured spleen, a rare but possible complication of mono.

If, despite taking precautions, you experience sharp abdominal pain, confusion, dizziness, fainting or blurred vision, contact your physician immediately.

The doctor will then determine if you need to go to the emergency room.

– Fatigue and Recovery

Even if you don’t initially feel extremely tired or fatigued, your body is still under significant stress from the infection. It’s important to remember that the symptoms of mono can be deceptive.

You might feel relatively okay one day but find yourself exhausted the next. Resting helps your body focus on fighting the virus and speeds up recovery.

Listen to Your Body

Pay close attention to how you feel and prioritize rest over exercise during the first few weeks of mono.

It’s better to err on the side of caution and allow your body ample time to heal. Your healthcare provider will give you guidance on when it’s safe to resume more vigorous activities based on your recovery progress.

Taking these precautions not only helps manage your current symptoms but also contributes to a smoother and more complete recovery.

– Staying Hydrated

One more point: Stay hydrated. When you feel feverish and are coping with throat and neck discomfort, you may not be interested in eating or drinking.

But taking in lots of fluid will help your body counteract the virus causing your illness. In fact, to help the recovery process, you should try to consume at least twice the amount of fluids you normally would.

– Acute and Recovery Phases

Typically, a person with mono experiences fever and pain from swollen glands for a week or two, followed by up to three months of fatigue.

During the later period, listen to your body. If you feel up to a short walk and do not experience fever or dizziness, go ahead.

Physical Therapy for Mononucleosis

When to Start Physical Therapy

When your physician agrees it is time for more vigorous exercise (usually after two to three months), we can design a physical therapy program to help recondition your body so you can eventually resume your prior level of activity.

Goals of Physical Therapy

• Reconditioning Your Body: Physical therapy for mono focuses on gradually reconditioning your body. After a period of inactivity, your muscles and overall physical endurance can diminish. A tailored physical therapy program will help rebuild strength, flexibility, and stamina, allowing you to return to your regular activities without undue strain.
• Monitoring and Adjusting: During your physical therapy sessions, your therapist will monitor your progress and adjust the program as needed. This personalized approach ensures that exercises are appropriate for your current level of fitness and that you do not push yourself too hard too soon.

Components of a Physical Therapy Program

• Gentle Exercises: Initially, the program will include gentle exercises designed to ease you back into physical activity. These may involve stretching, light strength training, and low-impact aerobic exercises, all aimed at improving your overall fitness and energy levels.
• Gradual Progression: As you build strength and endurance, the intensity of the exercises will gradually increase. This progression helps your body adapt to higher levels of activity while minimizing the risk of injury or relapse.
• Focus on Safety: Your physical therapist will emphasize safety throughout the program. They will guide you on proper exercise techniques and ensure that you avoid movements that could exacerbate your symptoms or lead to complications.

Benefits of Physical Therapy

Enhanced Recovery

Engaging in physical therapy not only helps you regain your physical fitness but also contributes to a faster and more complete recovery.

It aids in reducing fatigue, improving overall well-being, and enhancing your ability to resume normal activities.

Professional Guidance

Having a physical therapist guide your recovery process provides you with expert advice and support.

This professional oversight ensures that your return to activity is both safe and effective, helping you avoid setbacks and reach your fitness goals.

Once cleared by your physician, incorporating physical therapy into your recovery plan can make a significant difference in how quickly and effectively you return to your pre-mono level of activity.

Did you know you have Direct Access* to Physical Therapy? No referral, no problem!

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