$Unique_ID{BRK01444}
$Pretitle{Infections or Parasites}
$Title{Is Mononucleosis a Rare Thing?}
$Subject{mononucleosis infections}
$Volume{A-7}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Is Mononucleosis a Rare Thing?


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QUESTION:  The youngest of our three children, age 6, after much testing by
our doctor, is thought to have mononucleosis.  It seems the first tests
results were not too clear, but now our doctor seems convinced.  We were
wondering if this is a rare thing, and what we should do to protect our other
children?  How long does the infection last and is there any special
medications that should be given?  Thank you for any help you can give.

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ANSWER:  Cases of infectious mononucleosis (IM) are not as uncommon as once
thought.  Because the test used to diagnose the infection, the heterophil
antibody test, may not show the same results in children, especially very
young children, as it does in adolescents and adults, MI was believed to be
rare in these youngsters.  However newer and more sensitive tests that can
reveal the presence of the Epstein-Barr virus which causes the disease, now
enable physicians to make the diagnosis more readily.  Sometimes it takes a
while to see the full pattern of the disease in children, evolving over many
days or even weeks. usually there is a fever present and fatigue with enlarged
glands in the throat and neck.  Both the spleen and liver may become enlarged.
Skin rashes and abdominal pain are seen more commonly in the younger patients
than older ones.  The infection does not seem to be too contagious even
amongst other members of the family.  Adults rarely develop the infection,
probably because they are already immune do to a prior contact that failed to
develop symptoms.  Even older brothers and sisters can escape the clinical
disease in many families.  There are no specific medications for treating IM,
but rest and reduced activity is usually the mainstay of the supportive
therapy that is necessary.  Although the illness may linger for some weeks and
months it is almost always self limited, which means it will gradually
disappear over time.
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.
