Mononucleosis (mono) myths debunked   – CHOC

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 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 suggestions.

Myths about mononucleosis (mono)

Fantasy: You may be vaccinated in opposition to mono.

There isn’t any vaccine for mononucleosis. Mono is attributable to the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), for which there isn’t a vaccine.

Fantasy: Youngsters and adolescents get mono solely from kissing.

Mono may 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 aren’t any antibiotics that work properly in opposition to 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 light illness that you could ignore.

Mono may be pretty delicate, however hardly ever it could possibly have problems which may be very critical, Dr. Nieves says.

Mono is a standard explanation 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 physician. Not often, Mono can even trigger irritation of the center, which might result in coronary heart failure.

In case your youngster displays signs of mono, contact your pediatrician for an correct prognosis.

Info about mononucleosis (mono)

Reality: Mononucleosis is a viral an infection.

Mononucleosis is a viral an infection attributable to the Epstein-Barr virus. It’s a standard virus most kids and teenagers get uncovered to at a while whereas rising up.

Most individuals first grow to be contaminated by family transmission, reminiscent of 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 grow to be newly contaminated, can develop a extra critical case, says Dr. Nieves.

Reality: Signs of mono may be mistaken for different diseases.

Indicators of mono normally 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 may be confused with different viruses like strep throat.

In the event you suspect your youngster has mono signs, name your pediatrician. They will do an examination to rule out different diseases.

Reality: Mono signs are normally delicate, however may also be extreme.

Frequent signs of mononucleosis embrace excessive fever, extreme sore throat, swollen lymph nodes and tonsils and muscle weak point or fatigue.

Infants and younger youngsters contaminated with EBV virus normally have very delicate signs or none in any respect. However contaminated teenagers and younger adults usually develop the signs that outline mono.

Further signs might also 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).

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 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’d 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 consultants at CHOC, join the Youngsters Well being e-newsletter.

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