(mononucleosis) HOW CONTAGIOUS IS IT?

I was wondering if any one new about mononucleosis? how contagious is it? how do you get it? can it be treated? my main concern is how contagious it is, my daughter just got out of the hospital for cellulitis. now a week later she went threw emergency with a fever and sore throat and a rash!!! they said she had mono... i have 7 kids here so i need to know how carefull im to be with her living here to and the others catching it. thank you. DONNA

What is infectious mononucleosis?

Infectious mononucleosis is a viral disease that affects certain blood cells. It is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which is a member of the herpes virus family. Most cases occur sporadically. Outbreaks are rare.

Who gets infectious mononucleosis?

While most people are exposed to the Epstein-Barr virus sometime in their lives, very few go on to develop the symptoms of infectious mononucleosis. In underdeveloped countries, people are exposed in early childhood where they are unlikely to develop noticeable symptoms. In developed countries such as the United States, the age of first exposure may be delayed to older childhood and young adult age when symptoms are more likely to result. For this reason, it is recognized more often in high school and college students.

How is infectious mononucleosis spread?

The virus is spread by person-to-person contact, via saliva (on hands or toys, or by kissing). In rare instances, the virus has been transmitted by blood transfusion.

What are the symptoms of infectious mononucleosis?

Symptoms include fever, sore throat, swollen glands and feeling tired. Sometimes, the liver and spleen are affected. Duration is from one to several weeks. The disease is very rarely fatal. Very young children may not have any symptoms after being infected.

How soon do symptoms appear?

Symptoms appear from four to six weeks after exposure.

How long is a person able to spread infectious mononucleosis?

The virus is shed in the throat during the illness and for up to one year after infection. After the initial infection, the virus tends to become dormant for a prolonged period and can later reactivate and be shed from the throat again.

What is the treatment for infectious mononucleosis?

No treatment other than rest is needed in the vast majority of cases. People with severe sore throats should see their doctor.

Can a person get infectious mononucleosis again?

People who get the illness rarely get it again.

What can a person do to minimize the spread of infectious mononucleosis?

Avoid activities involving the transfer of body fluids (commonly saliva) with someone who is currently or recently infected with the disease. At present, there is no vaccine available to prevent infectious mononucleosis.

Where can I get more information?

* Your personal doctor.
* Your local health department, listed in your telephone directory.

It is very contageous. I had it, just give them medecine and dont let them get too near your other kids. But dont freak out, it isnt the plague or anything. I recovered from it without medication. I wanted to shake it on my own so that i would not catch it again. Let your child drink lots of water and tea, have bedrest, and drink soup.

P.S. mononucleosis (aka mono) is known as "the kissing disease" because most people get it from kissing someone. But, it can also be from sharing chapstick, lipgloss, water, sandwitched, and stuff from saliva to saliva contact.

Hospitals are a very common place to catch infections. Mono is one version of Measles, Chicken Pox, various Herpes, Cox Sackie etc... They are air born viruses and every single one of them are very contagious.

Once you go to the hospital for one infection, you usually catch another.

Your immune system is designed to keep up with viruses, but unfortunately, in your daughter's case, her immune system was already compromized and it left her a sitting duck to get it.

extremely

mono is extremely contagious.

it is very contagious!! anything she touches or spits on can be at risk..... have her stay in her own room and if u have more than one bathroom let her have one to herself... also, buy her some books and movies b/c she will be very bored and tired.

get well soon (to her)!!!!!

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!! *********!!!!!

You should make sure to keep what ever she eats or drinks out of cleaned separate and ad bleach to kill the germ.It will be easier for the children to catch it than you because the older you are the more resistant to the germ.
My daughter had it at the age of 16 and there were 3 other children in my house that didn't get it so I know what I am talking about.