Mononucleosis (mono) myths debunked   – CHOC

Myths and information about mononucleosis (mono) 

Have you ever ever heard of mononucleosis, or mono, known 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 ideas.

Myths about mononucleosis (mono)

Fable: You will be vaccinated in opposition to mono.

There isn’t a vaccine for mononucleosis. Mono is brought on by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), for which there isn’t a vaccine.

Fable: Youngsters and adolescents get mono solely from kissing.

Mono will be unfold in a couple 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.

Fable: Antibiotics will knock out mono.

There are not 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 appease a sore throat; and acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help related aches and pains if wanted.

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Fable: Mono is a gentle illness you can ignore.

Mono will be pretty gentle, however hardly ever it could have issues which will be very critical, Dr. Nieves says.

Mono is a standard reason behind extended fevers. Mono could 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. Hardly ever, Mono may also trigger irritation of the center, which might result in coronary heart failure.

In case your youngster reveals signs of mono, contact your pediatrician for an correct analysis.

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 standard virus most youngsters and youths get uncovered to at a while whereas rising up.

Most individuals first develop into contaminated by family transmission, corresponding to from dad and mom or siblings. In the USA, about 90% of adults have been contaminated. Most individuals have a gentle an infection however some individuals, particularly teenagers and younger adults who develop into newly contaminated, can develop a extra critical case, says Dr. Nieves.

Reality: Signs of mono will 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 will be confused with different viruses like strep throat.

For those who suspect your youngster has mono signs, name your pediatrician. They will do an examination to rule out different diseases.

Reality: Mono signs are normally gentle, however will also be extreme.

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

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

Further signs may additionally be seen in extreme mono circumstances, 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 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’d to forestall the flu, like washing your palms, training good hygiene, getting loads of sleep and avoiding shut contact with anybody who has it.

For extra well being and wellness sources from the pediatric consultants at CHOC, join the Youngsters Well being publication.