There are diseases that have difficult diagnoses and therefore end up with solutions very little precarious and with a total rest. The case of mononucleosis in children encompasses these characteristics and is determined after a long state of contagion and therefore with great durability in its treatment.
This type of infection it is difficult to diagnose, since its signs usually occur after a long season of being contracted. The good thing about it is that its prognosis usually resolves within weeks, but to know it in more detail we will analyze some questions.
Mononucleosis in children is the well-known "Kiss disease"
This type of infection is caused by the virus Epstein-Barr virus, which is spread through saliva. Hence it is called the "Kiss disease", being widely disseminated among adults and adolescents, although children can also contract it.
The diagnosis will not be conclusive until we see a series of symptoms that last over time and with the concrete evaluation of a blood test. The treatment does not focus on the disease in particular, but on palliate all the symptoms that derive.
How is mononucleosis detected in children?
This sickness often goes unnoticed by children, although everything can start with an infection in the upper respiratory tract and with a child mildly dull due to fatigue.
The most frequent symptoms are usually:
- Sore throat.
- lymph nodes from the neck inflamed.
- Fever.
- Headaches (Children rarely say they have a headache.)
- Muscle pains along with a sometimes extreme tiredness.
- Abdominal pain caused by an enlarged or swollen liver or spleen.
- Loss of appetite.
Given these symptoms, this disease often goes unnoticed because It can be confused with the flu or pharyngitis. The differences can be found in an examination in the abdominal part and in a blood test.
children with mononucleosis they may not feel sick, but it is very important to listen to the body of the little ones, especially if their spleen has become inflamed. And see if there is any symptom other than a common cold or flu.
How to avoid its transmission?
The virus is very easy to spread. when children share toys or other materials that can be put in the mouth and when they are in schools and nurseries. Transmission is through oral secretions and can be created with a simple kiss.
The incubation period, in this case in children and young people, usually occurs between one and three weeks (about 10 days). For adults it usually lasts between 30 to 50 days. Always follow good hygiene, constantly washing your hands, even after coughing or sneezing. Do not share straws or toothbrushes and stop giving many kisses.
As for the children I practice contact sport (the most common ones are usually football or basketball) should stop practicing them for about a month, especially if they are very tired and their spleen is swollen. The doctor will be the one who will determine when the sport can be resumed.
What complications can kissing disease cause?
This sickness creates symptoms very similar to the flu or common cold, but it can be prolonged from 2 to 4 weeks. You can have a fever for two weeks, in some cases even more.
Asthenia or tiredness it can persist for several weeks. Splenomegaly or enlargement of the spleen can manifest up to 3 months. They are usually the most specific symptoms, without giving more complications than there are. In some cases, this disease can evolve into others, such as neurological or hematological status with anemia, pneumonia, liver disease or rupture of the spleen.
Follow the advice of a specialist to monitor the disease and of taking all the analgesics to palliate their consequent discomforts.