From the Research
A child diagnosed with mononucleosis should stay home from school for at least 1-2 weeks, or until they no longer have a fever and feel well enough to participate in school activities, and avoid contact sports and strenuous physical activities for 8 weeks after diagnosis, as recommended by the most recent study 1.
Key Considerations
- The child's individual recovery time may vary based on symptom severity, and parents should consult with their child's doctor before allowing them to return to school.
- Treatment for mononucleosis focuses on managing symptoms with rest, adequate hydration, and over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever and sore throat.
- The risk of splenic rupture from an enlarged spleen is a common complication, and avoiding contact sports and strenuous physical activities for 8 weeks after diagnosis can help minimize this risk, as suggested by 2 and 1.
Important Facts
- Mononucleosis is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus and is typically characterized by fever, tonsillar pharyngitis, and lymphadenopathy.
- Splenomegaly and hepatomegaly occur in approximately 50% and 10% of cases, respectively, and spontaneous splenic rupture occurs in 0.1 to 0.5% of patients with infectious mononucleosis, as reported by 1.
- Good hygiene practices like handwashing and not sharing drinks or utensils are important to prevent the spread of mononucleosis to others.
Recommendations
- Parents should monitor their child's symptoms and consult with their doctor if they experience any severe complications, such as splenic rupture or airway obstruction.
- The child should avoid contact sports and strenuous physical activities for 8 weeks after diagnosis to minimize the risk of splenic rupture, as recommended by 1.
- Individual recovery times may vary, and parents should consult with their child's doctor to determine the best course of action for their child's specific situation.