As kids head back to school, they don’t just bring home homework they bring home germs. One common illness parents should keep an eye out for is mononucleosis, better known as mono, or “the kissing disease” or the “cool kids disease”.
Mono is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and spreads through saliva. While kissing is the classic culprit, sharing drinks, utensils, or even sneezes can do the trick too. Thankfully, it’s not as contagious as the common cold but it can still pack a punch.
The common symptoms of mono fever, sore throat, swollen glands, and extreme fatigue. Kids may also have headaches, body aches, and even an enlarged spleen or liver. Since fever is one of the main symptoms it is important to take regular temperature checks a reliable thermometer like Exergen’s TempoTherm or TAT-2000C, which provide quick, accurate, and non-intrusive readings with a swipe across the forehead, by gently touching it. It can be mistaken for strep throat, especially since antibiotics won’t help mono is viral, not bacterial.
There’s no quick cure, but rest and hydration are key. Fatigue may linger for weeks, so it’s best to take it slow. In rare cases, complications like ruptured spleens, liver inflammation, or even neurological issues can occur. If your child complains of sharp abdominal pain, especially on the left side, seek medical attention immediately.
Prevention? It’s mostly about good hygiene: don’t share food or drinks, encourage frequent handwashing, and avoid close contact if someone’s sick. Unfortunately, there’s no vaccine for mono, and once someone has it, the virus can remain in their system for life (usually dormant).
If your child’s symptoms don’t improve after a week or two, it’s time to check in with your doctor. As school ramps up, so do viruses but with a little knowledge and care, families can navigate the season and kiss, the kissing disease, away.
Source,
- Mayo Clinic, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mononucleosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350328
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