Myths and information 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 affords therapy and prevention ideas.
Myths about mononucleosis (mono)
Fantasy: You could be vaccinated in opposition to mono.
There is no such thing as a vaccine for mononucleosis. Mono is brought on by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), for which there is no such thing as a vaccine.
Fantasy: Youngsters and adolescents get mono solely from kissing.
Mono could be unfold in a number of 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 particular person by kissing, coughing, sneezing, sharing consuming utensils or sharing drinks.
Fantasy: Antibiotics will knock out mono.
There are not any antibiotics that work nicely in opposition to the mono virus, says Dr. Nieves.
As a substitute, somebody with mono ought to deal with their signs with a lot of relaxation; salt water gargling and throat lozenges to appease a sore throat; and acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help related aches and pains if wanted.
Fantasy: Mono is a light illness you could ignore.
Mono could be pretty gentle, however not often it will possibly have issues which could be very severe, Dr. Nieves says.
Mono is a typical reason for extended fevers. Mono could cause hepatitis, which is irritation of the liver. It might 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 little one reveals signs of mono, contact your pediatrician for an correct prognosis.
Details about mononucleosis (mono)
Truth: Mononucleosis is a viral an infection.
Mononucleosis is a viral an infection brought on by the Epstein-Barr virus. It’s a typical virus most youngsters and teenagers get uncovered to at a while whereas rising up.
Most individuals first change into contaminated by family transmission, similar to from mother and father or siblings. In the USA, about 90% of adults have been contaminated. Most individuals have a light an infection however some folks, particularly teenagers and younger adults who change into newly contaminated, can develop a extra severe case, says Dr. Nieves.
Truth: Signs of mono could be mistaken for different sicknesses.
Indicators of mono normally present up one to 2 months after somebody is contaminated with the virus. The commonest 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.
When you suspect your little one has mono signs, name your pediatrician. They will do an examination to rule out different sicknesses.
Truth: Mono signs are normally gentle, however may also be extreme.
Widespread signs of mononucleosis embody excessive fever, extreme sore throat, swollen lymph nodes and tonsils and muscle weak spot or fatigue.
Infants and younger children contaminated with EBV virus normally have very gentle signs or none in any respect. However contaminated teenagers and younger adults typically develop the signs that outline mono.
Extra signs might also be seen in extreme mono instances, similar 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).
Truth: The most effective therapy for mono is relaxation.
The most effective therapy 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.
Truth: 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 palms, practising good hygiene, getting loads of sleep and avoiding shut contact with anybody who has it.
For extra well being and wellness sources from the pediatric specialists at CHOC, join the Youngsters Well being publication.
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