Mononucleosis is a contagious disease caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (abbreviated as EBV). And although many people have never heard of VEB, its prevalence is extremely high. Studies show that by the age of five, half of the children around the world are infected with it, and by the age of maturity, VEB is already in the body of 90 percent of people. At the same time, the virus does not cause any symptoms in most of the inhabitants of the planet, and therefore does not pose a threat to health. If the clinical picture becomes pronounced, then infectious mononucleosis occurs . In children, the symptoms of this disease are sometimes difficult to determine, since they resemble the symptoms 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 body, the first signs of the disease appear. The earliest symptom is an increase in temperature (38-39 degrees). It will remain long enough - from a week to 10 days. Along with this, the appearance of 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 the lymph nodes protruding under the skin in the neck (behind the ears and under the lower jaw) and deforming its outlines. 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 infectious mononucleosis in the child passes.
Another symptom of the disease may be a skin rash in the form of pink or red spots that appear on the face, limbs, back or stomach. In some cases, it can densely cover almost the entire body. In this case, the rashes do not cause itching and also do not require treatment. They pass 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 purulent plaque. To relieve pain, you can use drugs such as Ibuprofen, Paracetamol.
Diagnostics
If you suspect infectious mononucleosis in a child, consult your local doctor as soon as possible. He will refer you to an infectious disease specialist who will diagnose and prescribe treatment for the baby when confirming the diagnosis. Diagnostic tests will include a blood test, an ultrasound of the internal organs, an analysis of antibodies against EBV.
Infectious mononucleosis in a child: methods of treatment
VEB reproduction cannot be stopped by any medicine. Modern antiviral medicines that are effective in other viral infections, in this case, are practically ineffective. But do not be scared, because most often the disease is easily tolerated and does not entail complications. The treatment is aimed at alleviating the symptoms and involves taking antipyretic drugs in case of accompanying fever with pain or severe chills. The use of antibiotics is recommended only if complications of the disease develop (for example, pneumonia).