Mononucleosis
What is "mono"?
Children and adolescents with mononucleosis (mono) develop flu-like symptoms, which usually go away on their own after a few weeks
Rest and plenty of fluids.
Mono is usually caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a very common virus that most children are exposed to at any given time
while growing up. Infants and young children have been infected with EBV usually very mild symptoms or none at all. But young people and
young adults who become infected often develop mono.
Mono is infected through kissing, coughing, sneezing, or contact with the saliva of someone who has to
the virus. (That's how mono got nicknamed "the kissing disease"). It can also be spread by sharing a straw or a
Cutlery. Researchers believe that mono may spread sexually as well.
People who have been infected with EBV will carry the virus for the rest of their lives - even if they never had any
Signs or symptoms of mono. Those who mono symptoms has probably not sick or have symptoms again.
Although EBV is the most common cause of mono, other viruses, such as cytomegalovirus (sye-toe-meh-guh-low-VYE-rus), can
cause a similar disease. Like EBV, cytomegalovirus stays in the body for life and may cause no symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms of mono - such as fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes (in the neck, armpit, or groin), or unexplained
Tiredness or weakness - can be mistaken for the flu or strep throat.
Other symptoms of mono are:
Headaches
Muscle soreness
swollen tonsils
Rash
Abdominal pain
Kids with mono may have different combinations of these symptoms, while some young people may have symptoms so mild that
they are barely noticeable. Mono symptoms usually go away on their own within 2 to 4 weeks. In some adolescents, although the
Fatigue and weakness can last for months.
To make a diagnosis, the doctor may perform a blood test and a physical examination to check for things like swollen tonsils and
an enlarged liver or spleen, which is often a sign of infection.
Mono and Sports
Doctors usually recommend that children get mono sport for at least a month to avoid after symptoms have disappeared because the
Spleen is usually enlarged temporarily from the disease. An enlarged spleen can rupture easily - an internal
Bleeding, fever and abdominal pain - and require emergency surgery. Vigorous activities, contact sports, weight lifting,
Cheerleading, or even wrestling with siblings or friends should be avoided until your doctor gives the OK to be.
Complications
Most kids who get mono recover without problems, but in rare cases, complications can occur. This can
Problems with the liver or spleen, anemia, meningitis, difficulty breathing, or inflammation of the heart.
Prevention and Treatment
There is no vaccine for the Epstein-Barr virus, but you can try to protect your children from mono, by ensuring that they
Avoid close contact with other children who have it. But sometimes people have the virus without symptoms and can still
give it to others. How to teach your children to wash their hands frequently, and not to share drinks or eating utensils with others
even if they appear to be healthy.
The best treatment for mono is plenty of rest, especially early in the course of the disease when the symptoms are the most
heavier. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help relieve the fever and muscle pain. Remember, never aspirin
Been brought because this child who has a viral illness associated with the development of Reye's syndrome, which can cause
Liver failure and can be fatal.
In most cases, the symptoms of mono go away in a matter of weeks with rest and fluids. When symptoms after
seem to linger, or if you have any questions, talk with your doctor.