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 presents therapy and prevention ideas.
Myths about mononucleosis (mono)
Fable: 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.
Fable: Youngsters and adolescents get mono solely from kissing.
Mono could be unfold in just a few other 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.
Fable: Antibiotics will knock out mono.
There aren’t any antibiotics that work nicely in opposition to the mono virus, says Dr. Nieves.
As an alternative, somebody with mono ought to deal with their signs with a lot 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.
Fable: Mono is a light illness that you may ignore.
Mono could be pretty delicate, however hardly ever it will probably have issues which could be very critical, Dr. Nieves says.
Mono is a typical reason for extended fevers. Mono may 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 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 analysis.
Details about mononucleosis (mono)
Reality: 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 develop into contaminated by way of family transmission, corresponding to from mother and father or siblings. In america, about 90% of adults have been contaminated. Most individuals have a light an infection however some folks, particularly teenagers and younger adults who develop 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 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.
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 can 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 typically develop the signs that outline mono.
Further signs might also 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 therapy for mono is relaxation.
The very best 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 more likely 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’ll to stop the flu, like washing your fingers, training good hygiene, getting loads of sleep and avoiding shut contact with anybody who has it.
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