$Unique_ID{BRK00840}
$Pretitle{Infections or Parasites}
$Title{When Would it be Safe to Start Practice After Mononucleosis?}
$Subject{mononucleosis sports}
$Volume{A-24, A-7}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


When Would it be Safe to Start Practice After Mononucleosis?


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QUESTION:  I am a member of my high school football varsity team, but have
been down with a bout of mononucleosis for the past several months.  I want to
get back to the team though, and would like to know when it would be safe for
me to start practice again?

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ANSWER:  This is a tough one as many factors must be taken into account, such
as the length of illness, size of the spleen, and the proper use of diagnostic
tests.  Otherwise, since infectious mononucleosis causes an enlarged spleen
that persists even after signs and symptoms of infection have abated, there is
the danger of rupturing the spleen with potentially fatal consequences if you
resume strenuous exercise too soon.
     Generally speaking, four weeks after the infection has cleared, as
indicated by laboratory tests and x-rays of the spleen, is the least time to
remain inactive, though some physicians recommend layoffs of up to six months.
One month is probably adequate since no study has shown an increase in
ruptured spleens in athletes who resumed activity four weeks after infection
compared to those inactive for six months.
     The Epstein-Barr virus, a member of the herpes group that causes
mononucleosis, may also enlarge the liver and alters liver enzymes as well as
blood cells.
     So the best policy is to avoid extreme exercise and refrain from using
alcohol for at least one month after all of your lab and diagnostic tests have
returned to normal and you are given a clean bill of health.  Now I hope I
have given you the same info that your doctor has, as that's the person you
should be listening to.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
