Mononucleosis is a contagious disease caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (abbreviated as EBV). And although many people have never heard of EBV, its prevalence is extremely high. Studies show that by the age of five, half of the children worldwide are infected with it, and by the age of majority, EBV is already in the body of 90 percent of people. At the same time, the virus does not cause absolutely no symptoms in most of the inhabitants of the planet, and therefore does not pose a threat to he alth. If the clinical picture becomes pronounced, then infectious mononucleosis occurs. In children, the symptoms of this disease are sometimes difficult to identify because they resemble signs of other diseases. In adults, it practically does not occur.
Infectious mononucleosis in a child: characteristic symptoms
After 1-2 months after the virus enters the bodythe first signs of the disease appear. The earliest symptom is an increase in temperature (38-39 degrees). It will be stored for a long time - from a week to 10 days. Along with this, there may be severe chills, pain in the joints, muscles, drowsiness, general weakness.
In addition, infectious mononucleosis in children can lead to an increase in lymph nodes. Photos of sick children often show lymph nodes protruding under the skin in the neck (behind the ears and under the lower jaw) and deforming its outline. You should not try to use compresses or any other methods, hoping to relieve inflammation. These methods are ineffective - the lymph nodes themselves will acquire normal sizes as the infectious mononucleosis in the child passes.
Another symptom of the disease can be a skin rash in the form of pink or red spots that appear on the face, limbs, back or abdomen. In some cases, it can densely cover almost the entire body. At the same time, the rashes do not cause itching and also do not require treatment. They pass by themselves in a fairly short time, leaving no traces.
The next typical symptom is inflammation of the tonsils, which is manifested by reddening of the throat and pain in it. The surface of the tonsils may be covered with a purulent coating. To relieve pain, you can use drugs such as Ibuprofen, Paracetamol.
Diagnosis
If you suspect infectious mononucleosis in a child, contact as soon as possiblequickly to the local doctor. He will refer you to an infectious disease specialist who will diagnose and, upon confirmation of the diagnosis, prescribe treatment for the baby. Diagnostic tests will include a blood test, an ultrasound of the internal organs, an analysis for antibodies against EBV.
Infectious mononucleosis in a child: treatment options
No drugs can stop the reproduction of EBV. Modern antiviral drugs that are effective in other viral infections are practically ineffective in this case. But do not be afraid, because most often the disease is easily tolerated and does not entail complications. Treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms and involves taking antipyretics if fever is accompanied by pain or severe chills. Taking antibiotics is recommended only if complications of the disease develop (for example, pneumonia).
