Are you worried that your child’s sore throat could be mononucleosis?
Once children start school it’s amazing just how many more infections and germs they pick up. Blame it on forgetting to wash hands or touching contaminated surfaces. There are numerous reasons your child may become ill. One contagious infection to be on the lookout for is mononucleosis. Find out the telltale symptoms and when you should bring your child in to see one of our Plano, TX, pediatricians.
What is mononucleosis?
While it’s often nicknamed the “kissing disease” there are certainly other ways to catch this infection. In fact, just being around another children or adult who has it can be enough for a child to get it, too. One of the worst parts about this infection is that your child could be sick for a few months before they actually make a full recovery, and a lot of children can be infected but not show symptoms for up to one month after being exposed.
What are the symptoms?
When your child first contracts mono, they may experience milder symptoms at first such as fatigue or a headache. Of course, other symptoms will follow including:
- A very high fever
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
- Sore throat
- Enlarged and inflamed tonsils
- Abdominal discomfort
- Nausea
- Rash
If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms (particularly a very high fever of around 104-105 degrees F) then it’s important that you call our Plano, TX, children’s doctor right away.
How is mono treated?
What makes coming down with mono so frustrating is that there isn’t a medication out there that can treat the infection. Since mono is the result of a virus, antibiotics won’t actually help. So, the best thing you can do is help manage your child’s symptoms to make the healing process a bit easier on your little one. This may include taking over-the-counter medications or using lozenges to ease a sore throat. Make sure your child stays hydrated and is getting enough rest. They should also try and rest as much as possible (rather than running around playing).
If your child is displaying any of the symptoms above then it’s certainly a good idea to come in for proper medical attention. Willow Bend Pediatrics in Plano, TX, is dedicated to making sure your child gets the very best care possible so they can stay healthy and happy.