INFECTIOUS MONONUCLEOSIS
Symptoms: general weakness and bodily discomfort; sore throat; pus on tonsils; prolonged fever; swelling of lymph glands; prolonged fatigue; mottled red rash.
Home care
Rest, aspirin or paracetamol, and a general diet as tolerated are necessary.
If your doctor finds that the child’s spleen is enlarged, the child’s activities should be restricted.
- If a child who is being treated with antibiotics for a strep throat does not respond to the medication within 24 to 48 hours, inform the doctor; the child may have mono in addition.
- Do not allow a child who has had mono to return to school or work until weakness and fatigue disappear.
- Do not allow a child with an enlarged spleen to take part in contact sports or other strenuous activity until the spleen returns to its normal size.
Infectious mononucleosis – often called “mono” – is a fairly common contagious disease. It’s caused by the Epstein-Barr (EB) virus and is transmitted by secretions from the nose and throat -which is why it’s also commonly known as the “kissing disease.” Mono can occur at any age from infancy on, but is most often seen among young people of high school or university age. The disease appears one to six weeks after exposure to the virus, and one attack generally makes a person immune to (able to resist) further bouts.
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