What is Infectious Mononucleosis?
Infectious mononucleosis, or mono, is an illness caused by the Epstein Barr Virus that invades the body’s lymph nodes. It is spread by infected saliva. Most children who contract mono do not develop symptoms. While small children can become sick, symptomatic disease usually affects adolescents.
Symptoms include:
Fever
Throat pain and pus on the tonsils
Swollen lymph nodes especially in the neck
Fatigue and sleeping more
Generalized rash (less common)
Infectious Mononucleosis Diagnosis and Treatment
Mono can be diagnosed with a blood test called a monspot. In children less than 4 years old, a different blood test is needed to make the diagnosis.
There is no specific treatment for mono. Supportive care targets symptoms. Tylenol and ibuprofen can be used for fever and throat pain. Warm salt water gargles and cold foods can also help soothe a sore throat. In rare cases, when throat swelling blocks the airway sufficiently, steroids might be administered but this is not routine. Rest and hydration are also important.
While mono is not very contagious, its spread can be avoided by:
Avoiding kissing until 3-4 days after fever is gone
Avoid using the same glasses and utensils
Wash hands well and often
Note:
Children diagnosed with mono should not participate in contact sports for at least 3-6 weeks after diagnosis. The spleen gets bigger during a mono infection and, if struck, can burst. This can be life threatening
In younger children, throat pain and swelling can be severe enough to make it hard to breath and swallow. If your child has difficulty breathing or cannot drink to stay hydrated, take them to the emergency room
See a doctor in person if…
Fever lasts for great than 7 days
Your child develops severe abdominal pain
Throat pain becomes severe
Throat swelling makes it hard for your child to breath
Your child is unable to drink adequately