Kids and Mono - is it common?

We've received questions about mononucleosis, talked to Le Bonheur pediatrician Dr. Katie Alvord about what parents should know. Here's what she had to say.

"Infectious mononucleosis, often referred to as mono, is a common infection caused by Epstein-Barr Virus or EBV. Almost all of us will be infected by this virus at some point in our lives. Following acute infection, EBV will stay in our bodies in a dormant or inactive state. Occasionally the virus will multiply and during these times we will shed the virus into our saliva and other fluids. We usually contract EBV by contact with infected saliva. This is why many refer to mono as the kissing disease.

The symptoms of mono almost always include fever, sore throat, fatigue and enlarged, tender lymph nodes in our neck, armpits and/or groin. Your child may also develop other symptoms like poor appetite, anemia and enlargement of their spleen and liver. If your pediatrician suspects that your child has mononucleosis, a blood test can help confirm the diagnosis. It's important to look at the white blood cells as well as test for antibodies against EBV. These antibodies are proteins that are increased in the body to help fight off the infection. A finger stick is usually all it takes.

There is no treatment for EBV infection and antibiotics will not work. The aim is to supportively care for your child with pain and fever-reducers like acetaminophen. Gargling with salt water helps soothe a sore throat. Additionally, bed rest is really important for a child with mono. Acute infection usually will clear in one-three weeks, but fatigue can be prolonged for weeks. Your child should refrain from any contact sports when they are acutely infected with EBV. Their spleens can swell with infection and if hit, the spleen can rupture and may cause serious internal bleeding. Your doctor will discuss when your child may return to contact sports and activities.

Rare and serious complications can result from an EBV infection. Those could include inflammation of the heart muscle known as myocarditis; inflammation of the brain and surrounding tissues known as encephalitis; and Guillan-Barre, which can cause paralysis. Please remember these are very rare. If your child is diagnosed with infectious mononucleosis, your pediatrician will discuss what to look for if your child would start to develop these complications.

The best way to prevent infection with EBV is to avoid sharing cups, bottles and eating utensils. In addition they should avoid kissing anyone!"