Myths and details about mononucleosis (mono)
Have you ever ever heard of mononucleosis, or mono, known as “the kissing illness?”
There’s some confusion and misinformation about precisely how youngsters and youths 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 presents therapy and prevention ideas.
Myths about mononucleosis (mono)
Fantasy: You might be vaccinated towards mono.
There isn’t a vaccine for mononucleosis. Mono is brought on by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), for which there isn’t a vaccine.
Fantasy: Children and adolescents get mono solely from kissing.
Mono might be unfold in a couple 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 individual by kissing, coughing, sneezing, sharing consuming utensils or sharing drinks.
Fantasy: Antibiotics will knock out mono.
There are not any antibiotics that work properly towards the mono virus, says Dr. Nieves.
As an alternative, somebody with mono ought to deal with their signs with a number of relaxation; salt water gargling and throat lozenges to appease 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 might be pretty gentle, however hardly ever it could possibly have issues which might be very severe, Dr. Nieves says.
Mono is a typical reason behind extended fevers. Mono may 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. Not often, Mono also can trigger irritation of the guts, which might result in coronary heart failure.
In case your little one reveals signs of mono, contact your pediatrician for an correct analysis.
Information 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 youths get uncovered to at a while whereas rising up.
Most individuals first grow to be contaminated by means of family transmission, reminiscent of from mother and father or siblings. In the US, about 90% of adults have been contaminated. Most individuals have a gentle an infection however some folks, particularly teenagers and younger adults who grow to be newly contaminated, can develop a extra severe case, says Dr. Nieves.
Truth: Signs of mono might 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 might be confused with different viruses like strep throat.
In case you suspect your little one has mono signs, name your pediatrician. They will do an examination to rule out different diseases.
Truth: Mono signs are often gentle, however will also be extreme.
Frequent signs of mononucleosis embrace excessive fever, extreme sore throat, swollen lymph nodes and tonsils and muscle weak spot or fatigue.
Infants and younger youngsters contaminated with EBV virus often have very gentle signs or none in any respect. However contaminated teenagers and younger adults usually develop the signs that outline mono.
Further signs may additionally be seen in extreme mono circumstances, reminiscent of 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 perfect therapy for mono is relaxation.
The perfect 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’ll to stop the flu, like washing your arms, training 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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