My Blog
Posts for tag: Mono
Mono, nicknamed the “kissing disease” because of how easily it spreads from person to person, is a viral infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Pediatricians most often see this infection in teens and it may be mistaken for the flu. While most cases of mono will go away on their own, it can take months for a child or teen to fully recover. It’s important to be able to recognize the differences between the influenza virus and mono.What are the symptoms of mono?
Symptoms will vary between children, teens, and adults. Children don’t typically show the standard symptoms of mono. In fact, mono might look more like a cold or flu in your little one. The classic symptoms associated with mono are more apparent in teens and young adults between the ages of 15 to 24 years old.
Classic mono symptoms include,
- High fever
- Extreme fatigue and exhaustion
- Body aches
- Muscle weakness
- Swollen lymph nodes of the neck
- Sore throat
- Rash
- Headache
When should I turn to a pediatrician?
As you might already know, many of the symptoms above can be caused by colds, flu, and other infections that aren’t mono. If your child’s symptoms are mild, then you might not need to come into our office right away. Of course, if symptoms persist for weeks or get worse, then it’s time to visit your pediatrician.
You should call your pediatrician right away if,
- Your child develops a severe headache or sore throat
- Has seizures
- Displays changes in behavior
- Has a very high fever over 104 F
- Is dehydrated
- Develops a rash
If you are concerned that your teen may have mono, you must schedule an appointment with their pediatrician as soon as possible. While most cases will go away on their own without treatment, your child’s doctor can provide you with options for helping your child better manage their symptoms and feel better faster.
Has your child been uncharacteristically fatigued as of late? Whereas before they were running and jumping around, now they seem more sluggish and uninterested. Perhaps this weary state has also been accompanied by a recurrent sore throat and headaches? If so, your child may be afflicted by Mononucleosis—a condition 
better known as Mono.
Although Mono isn’t generally a serious illness, it can both be extraordinarily uncomfortable and contagious. Read on to learn about this condition’s potential symptoms and treatment options, and make sure to call your local pediatrician if you are at all concerned that your child has developed Mono.
Mono: Basic Background and Symptoms
Generally caused by exposure to the Epstein-Barr Virus, Mono is an infectious illness often spread through the exchange of bodily fluids, especially saliva—a characteristic that has led to its nickname, “the kissing disease.”
As mentioned above, fatigue is the most common symptom of Mono. However, there are a few additional symptoms that can point to its presence, including:
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Recurring headaches
- Sore throat, accompanied by white patches in the neck
- Light sensitivity
If your child has exhibited these signs, make an appointment with your pediatrician so that you can obtain a proper diagnosis.
Treatment Options
Due to Mono being caused by a virus, antibiotics cannot treat the condition. Instead, doctors recommend the following measures:
- Lots and lots of rest, particularly bed rest during the condition’s beginning stages
- Refraining from any strenuous activity (especially sports, but also school if the fatigue is too much to handle)
- Taking over-the-counter pain relievers to help relieve any throat or fever discomfort
- Taking multi-vitamins to strengthen the immune system
Concerned? Give Us a Call
Mono can be an extremely uncomfortable experience, and the sooner you pinpoint your child’s condition, the sooner they can find relief. If you are worried that your little one has developed Mono, give your local pediatrician a call today.
Understanding Mono: The “Kissing Disease”
Often called the kissing disease, mononucleosis (mono) is a caused by a virus that is transmitted through saliva. You can get this infection through kissing, but you can also be exposed through a cough or sneeze, or even by sharing a glass or food utensils with someone who has mono. However, mono is not as contagious as some infections, such as the common cold.
As an adolescent or young adult, your child is most likely to get mono with all the signs and symptoms. If your child has mono, it is important to be careful of certain complications such as an enlarged spleen. Your pediatrician urges you to allow your child proper rest and adequate fluids for a full recovery.
Some of the signs and symptoms of mononucleosis may include:
- Fatigue
- General feeling of being unwell
- Sore throat that doesn’t get better with antibiotic use
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes in neck and armpits
- Swollen tonsils
- Headache
- Skin rash
- Soft, swollen spleen
If your child is experience any of these symptoms, it is important to visit your pediatrician.
Since mononucleosis is spread through saliva, if your child is infected your pediatrician urges you to take extra precautions. To help prevent the spread of the virus, it is important to not kiss your child and not to share food, dishes, glasses and utensils until several days after his or her fever has subsided and even longer, if possible.
Contact your pediatrician for more information on mono and how you can help your child make a full recovery.