$Unique_ID{BRK01444}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Is Mononucleosis a Rare Thing?}
$Subject{mononucleosis infections infectious im heterophil antibody test
children epstein-barr virus spleen liver skin rashes abdominal pain younger
epstein barr infection mono tests child care viruses blood viral rash}
$Volume{A-7,S-7}
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Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   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 due 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.

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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.