EBV positive Mono & swollen lymph nodes

Sounds alot like my Mono story. was at work noticed swollen neck nodes then a couple days later the fever and alot of sweating, it took me about a week to find out what was wrong and like you my Mom was concerned about my lymph nodes. Its scary when you don't know whats going on. Took me months for the lymph nodes to settle so don't panic it will be okay, my girlfriend told me when she had it her glands were still bigger then normal a year later, mine took about 4/5 months to be completely gone. everybody is different so be there for her and try not to scare her with your fears

I also had mono with the Same symptoms that put me in hospital for 6 weeks because I had (EXTREMELY) rare complications from it. it's normal for them to be swollen for quite a while. they never actually caught mono active in my blood test it just showed ive had mono at some point. and because of that, they wanted to do lymph node biopsy to make sure it wasn't the things you likely came across after googling it 🤣 they couldn't actually get a biopsy of my lymph nodes as when they tried to stick a needle in, it would just bounce off. but by that point they weren't really swollen. basically don't worry about it, if it's really concerning you then go and see a doctor.

dont worry thats very common if she rests and takes care of herself she should recover quickly as she is young ..... for the rest of us older folk its more of a journey

Hi Maty,

So sorry to hear your daughter has been unwell with mono, really empathising having been through the virus myself in the past and it really is such a horrible experience.

I just want to write to offer reassurance regarding the lymph nodes especially, I went through the same horrible cycle of researching on google and it starting to make you think maybe something else is going on something more worrying - but please please be reassured that this is absolutely very normal to have swollen lymph nodes during mono, particularly during these initial few weeks. I had a particular lymph node in my neck which bothered me so much and they did an ultrasound and it just proved what the doctors thought that it was a 'reactive' lymph node, nothing to worry about just a reaction to this virus and with time it did all settle down, even though it did try to be stubborn and linger for a time.

Also just to reassure you that your daughter will get better, and just to make sure that she gets plenty of rest and doesn't overdo things at this time. A key mistake that I and almost everybody (understandably) makes is to try and 'push through' like they would maybe a cold or a flu, but this virus really does need extended and proper rest and removal of stress as much as possible. So if it means she needs to take time out of school / studies / work / whatever for a time, please do that as it's very important her body gets the time and space it needs to rest and recover.

Also just a word not to panic if recovery isn't immediate, as I say this virus can be stubborn and really knocks your system for six and can take a little time to fully get over the fatigue and horrible symptoms. But absolutely this thing does get better, just important to take care and rest and just cope with one day at a time. It can be so intense the symptoms that it often tricks you into thinking it's something else when in the vast majority of cases it is the mono only, take it as reassuring that the blood test showed EBV as it gives a real explanation as to the cause of this and also remember your daughter will get better with some time truly she will!!

How old is your daughter if you don't mind me asking? I was an adult aged about 25 when I got the virus, things that helped me included taking vitamins and herbs, including a good strong multi-vitamin per day (I take Immunace Extra which is on sale here in the UK), a B complex vitamin per day and / or Co-enzyme Q10 (great for nervous system and energy levels), higher doses of Vitamin C (1000mg-3000mg per day) and immune boosting herbs like siberian ginseng, echinacea and oregano. But again I'm no expert in these things this is just from my own experience and research and things that helped me, it's always imperative to check for any interactions with other conditions / medications before starting vitamins and herbs, and also to be careful if it is a child or teenager too just to get the right advice / info on this.

Hoping so much your daughter feels much better soon Maty, thinking about you. I believe that God is the great healer, I know it was only down to God that I was able to get over this horrible virus. Your daughter will get over this too with God's help I truly believe that. Just take things one day at a time with this thing, I remember how awful and intense these initial weeks after diagnosis were and how hard getting through each day was. So hang in there, thinking about you and message any time - this forum is a great place for good advice and encouragement some great people with real life experience of the virus on here and who are empathetic and understanding. It's much better that searching google as it's only the scare stories, which are the tiny tiny minority of people with complications, but the vast vast majority of people do recover fully from this virus with a little time and get back to full health again. They say that 90% + of the western world gets infected with EBV at some point in their lives, most as younger children when maybe they don't experience the full effects of the illness as maybe a teenager or adult would, but that the vast majority of these people are fit and well and get over the virus and back to full health - and I believe your daughter will too!

Thinking about you and message any time - it's so hard not to worry and panic with this thing, I went through that terrible cycle myself and I wouldn't wish it only anyone Maty - so hang in there and please be assured that the symptoms you describe are normal for mono and that even though it's a horrible virus and tough right now, things will get better over and with time.

Craig

Hi Maty,

I got mono (diagnosed with ebv blood test) in Sept 2018 & I still have swollen lymph nodes.

I had an ultrasound on one of them & was told it was benign & it may never actually go. I then had to visit an ENT recently over a tonsil issue & he did a head & neck exam & said I have multiple swollen nodes in my neck & jaw. He wasnt concerned at all & at that point it had been 6 months since I had the acute symptoms.

Everyone recovers at a different rate. If you are concerned then it may be worth requesting an ultrasound.

Hope your daughter gets over this soon

Gill

thank you all very much for your responses. it makes me feel at ease knowing that others have had her symptoms and the way they appeared. i'm very grateful that so far she has skipped the whole sore throat part. today she dealt with a sort or anxiety/stress attack. i had to pick her up from school this morning and i took her to get checked out to be sure n yeah dr agreed with that too. she's overwhelmed with the fatigue, headaches, & swollen glands along with these next few weeks of testing at school that are crucial for her passing 8th grade. now my kid is super active. she's a great student, cheerleader, plays volleyball, basketball, & runs track. she was so bummed to have to had missed her last 2 track meets. my daughter will be 14 this august so i know, hope, & pray that she will get over this soon. thanks u guys for your time and prayers sent to you all.