Mononucleosis (Mono) can have flu-like symptoms and most normally affects teenagers. Known as the kissing-disease, because it’s spread through kissing or coughing or coming into contact with the saliva of someone who has been infected, can sometimes get overlooked in young children and toddlers. As with any illness, if you are worried about your child’s symptoms, make sure you visit your pediatrician or visit a pediatric urgent care like AllKids Pediatric Urgent Care.
Symptoms of Mono Many infants and young children infected with Mono, caused by the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), usually have no symptoms or just mild ones. There are signs and symptoms though to look out for and include:
Fever
Sore throat
Swollen lymph glands
Fatigue
Chills
Headaches
Mono Treatments Much of the treatment of mono is aimed at making your child more comfortable until the infection goes away on its own. The best treatment for mono is plenty of rest, especially early in the course of the illness when symptoms are the most severe. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help to relieve a fever and aching muscles.
Mono Prevention There is no vaccine to protect against the Epstein-Barr Virus, but you can help your kids by making sure they avoid close contact with anyone who has it, washing their hands often, and not sharing drinks or eating utensils with others – even if they seem healthy.
When to See the Doctor Call your pediatrician or visit a Pediatric Urgent Care if your child has the major symptoms described here especially fever, sore throat, and fatigue. To make a diagnosis the doctor may do a blood test and a physical exam to check for things like swollen tonsils.
Most cases of infectious mononucleosis clear up in 1 to 3 weeks (although symptoms, particularly fatigue, can last for several additional weeks in some children).
Mesa Pediatric Urgent Care and Gilbert Pediatric Urgent Care
Children often present different symptoms than adults and may need different prescriptions and treatments. AllKids pediatric providers are trained to know and recognize these differences, ensuring your child receives the best health care available to them and their small bodies even in the most urgent of circumstances. Both our Gilbert Pediatric Urgent Care and our Mesa Pediatric Urgent Care are open every day, from noon to 10 p.m. No appointment is necessary, just stop in and start your child on the road back to health.