Myths and details about mononucleosis (mono)
Have you ever ever heard of mononucleosis, or mono, referred to as “the kissing illness?”
There’s some confusion and misinformation about precisely how children and teenagers get mono, says Dr. Delma Nieves, a pediatric infectious illness specialist at CHOC.
Right here, she clears up some truths and falsehoods about mono and gives remedy and prevention ideas.
Myths about mononucleosis (mono)
Fantasy: You could be vaccinated in opposition to mono.
There isn’t any vaccine for mononucleosis. Mono is attributable to the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), for which there isn’t a vaccine.
Fantasy: Children and adolescents get mono solely from kissing.
Mono could be unfold in just a few alternative ways, not simply from kissing.
As a result of Epstein-Barr is an airborne virus, it’s handed by “droplet unfold,” Dr. Nieves says.
Particularly, mono is unfold by contact with the saliva of an contaminated individual by kissing, coughing, sneezing, sharing consuming utensils or sharing drinks.
Fantasy: Antibiotics will knock out mono.
There aren’t any antibiotics that work effectively in opposition to the mono virus, says Dr. Nieves.
As a substitute, somebody with mono ought to deal with their signs with a number of relaxation; salt water gargling and throat lozenges to assuage a sore throat; and acetaminophen or ibuprofen to assist related aches and pains if wanted.
Fantasy: Mono is a gentle illness you could ignore.
Mono could be pretty delicate, however not often it could actually have issues which could be very critical, Dr. Nieves says.
Mono is a typical reason for extended fevers. Mono could cause hepatitis, which is irritation of the liver. It could additionally enlarge the spleen, making contact sports activities off-limits till the affected person is cleared by a health care provider. Hardly ever, Mono may also trigger irritation of the center, which might result in coronary heart failure.
In case your baby displays signs of mono, contact your pediatrician for an correct prognosis.
Details about mononucleosis (mono)
Reality: Mononucleosis is a viral an infection.
Mononucleosis is a viral an infection attributable to the Epstein-Barr virus. It’s a typical virus most kids and teenagers get uncovered to at a while whereas rising up.
Most individuals first change into contaminated by family transmission, corresponding to from mother and father or siblings. In america, about 90% of adults have been contaminated. Most individuals have a gentle an infection however some folks, particularly teenagers and younger adults who change into newly contaminated, can develop a extra critical case, says Dr. Nieves.
Reality: Signs of mono could be mistaken for different diseases.
Indicators of mono often present up one to 2 months after somebody is contaminated with the virus. The most typical signs could also be mistaken for strep throat or the flu, says Dr. Nieves.
Most individuals go in to see their healthcare supplier due to the fatigue and sore throat from the tonsils getting infected. Mono could be confused with different viruses like strep throat.
Should you suspect your baby has mono signs, name your pediatrician. They’ll do an examination to rule out different diseases.
Reality: Mono signs are often delicate, however may also be extreme.
Frequent signs of mononucleosis embody excessive fever, extreme sore throat, swollen lymph nodes and tonsils and muscle weak point or fatigue.
Infants and younger children contaminated with EBV virus often have very delicate signs or none in any respect. However contaminated teenagers and younger adults usually develop the signs that outline mono.
Further signs may be seen in extreme mono instances, corresponding to pores and skin rashes or stomach ache with a larger-than-normal liver or spleen (an organ within the higher left a part of the stomach).
Reality: The very best remedy for mono is relaxation.
The very best remedy for mono is relaxation and loads of fluids. That’s all you are able to do, and to keep away from contact sports activities as a result of the spleen could also be enlarged making it extra prone to get injured, says Dr. Nieves.
Reality: Mono prevention is rather like flu prevention.
You are able to do the identical issues to stop mono as you’d to stop the flu, like washing your arms, practising good hygiene, getting loads of sleep and avoiding shut contact with anybody who has it.
For extra well being and wellness assets from the pediatric specialists at CHOC, join the Children Well being publication.
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