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 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 gives therapy and prevention suggestions.
Myths about mononucleosis (mono)
Delusion: You could be vaccinated in opposition to mono.
There isn’t any vaccine for mononucleosis. Mono is brought on by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), for which there isn’t any vaccine.
Delusion: 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.
Delusion: 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 plenty of relaxation; salt water gargling and throat lozenges to assuage a sore throat; and acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help related aches and pains if wanted.
Delusion: Mono is a light illness which you can ignore.
Mono could be pretty gentle, however not often it could 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. Not often, Mono may also trigger irritation of the guts, which might result in coronary heart failure.
In case your youngster reveals signs of mono, contact your pediatrician for an correct prognosis.
Information 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 kids and youths get uncovered to at a while whereas rising up.
Most individuals first turn into contaminated via family transmission, comparable 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 individuals, particularly teenagers and younger adults who turn into newly contaminated, can develop a extra severe 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.
In case you suspect your youngster has mono signs, name your pediatrician. They will do an examination to rule out different diseases.
Reality: Mono signs are often gentle, however will also be extreme.
Widespread signs of mononucleosis embody excessive fever, extreme sore throat, swollen lymph nodes and tonsils and muscle weak point 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 typically develop the signs that outline mono.
Extra signs can also be seen in extreme mono instances, comparable 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 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.
Reality: Mono prevention is rather like flu prevention.
You are able to do the identical issues to forestall mono as you’ll to forestall the flu, like washing your fingers, practising good hygiene, getting loads of sleep and avoiding shut contact with anybody who has it.
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