How to get rid of the swelling in my throat?

Question

I was recently diagnosed with mono "the kissing virus" most likely from my bf. The doc told me that i just have to wait it out but my throat has gotten really swollen theres white patches on it, and on a scale of 1-10 id say the pain is a 7...even when i don't swallow its hurting...is there anything i can do to make it go down so i can get better and finaly be able to do things? I tried the whole salt and water thing but it didn't seem to do much.

Answer 1

First of all, mono, although mono is spread by bodily fluids and you can get it from kissing, you can also get it from sharing food/drinks with other people and being around someone who coughs and does not cover their mouth. By adult hood, most people carry the bug.  Your doctor is correct in treating the symptoms (throat losengers, tylenol or advil, drinking cold fluids), an antibiotic does not work against mono, and you can take up to 4 weeks to start feeling better. However, if your sore throat continues to get worse after a few days, go back to your doctor because often times strep throat develops with mono and then you do need an antibiotic.  Take care of yourself and rest because if you do not your liver and spleen could suffer, so take care of yourself. Most people who get sick with the mono bug do so because they wear themselves down with so much activity and too little sleep and their immune system is down. Good Luck, hope you feel better soon.