Mononucleosis, more commonly referred to as mono, spreads through the Epstein-Barr virus, or EBV. When exposed to this virus, infants and young children rarely show any signs of having it. Since most adults are immune to EBV, older children and teenagers are the only ones who usually catch this contagious viral disease .
How Children Catch Mononucleosis
Since it’s spread by a virus, children can catch Mononucleosis from others who have it. It spreads through the saliva, so it can spread through sneezing, coughing, or kissing. Children can catch mono by drinking out of the same cup or sharing a toothbrush with a child who has the virus.
Can You Die From Mono?
People rarely die from mono. But some complications of mono can be life threatening. One complication of mono is a ruptured spleen 01 .
Symptoms of Mononucleosis
Once a child has mono, the virus stays within the body, even after the symptoms leave. If the virus becomes active again, which can happen, a child can pass it on to others, even without showing any symptoms.
The flu-like symptoms of Mononucleosis can last for a couple of weeks up to one month. Below are the symptoms that signal your child has mono.
- High fever
- Sore throat
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Enlarged tonsils
- Body aches
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Tiredness
Mononucleosis can also cause an enlargement of the spleen, so your child should avoid any rough sports or lifting heavy objects. If your child has pain in the upper left part of his or her stomach, immediately take him or her to get medical treatment. This is often a sign that the spleen has busted open.
Where Is Mononucleosis Prevalent?
This condition is prevalent worldwide, but it’s more common in the United States and in other developed countries. Kids most often pick it up from other kids in school or while participating in after school activities. In the less-developed countries, most children are exposed to the virus at an earlier age when they don’t develop any symptoms.
Prevention
To reduce the chances of your child contracting mono, tell your child not to eat or drink using the same utensils as anyone else. Your child should also avoid coming into close contact with – especially kissing – anyone who has mono or mono symptoms.
