Symptoms are similar to those of a cold, and once infected, you carry it for life! It has been more common recently... Be careful!

When it comes to high fever, sore throat, many parents first think of a cold. However, there is a disease that is similar to a cold, but it is not a cold, but it is highly contagious. It is infectious mononucleosis.

Recently, several cases of infectious mononucleosis have occurred in the pediatric outpatient clinic of Quanzhou Children's Hospital in Fujian Province.

Symptoms similar to those of a cold

Four-year-old child suffers from this infectious disease

"My child has a cold, a high fever, a sore throat, swollen eyelids, and multiple large lumps on one or both sides of the neck. What's going on?"

Not long ago, at Quanzhou Children's Hospital, Ms. Liu, the mother of four-year-old Dongdong (pseudonym), revealed endless worry in her anxious tone.

At first, Ms. Liu thought it was just a cold and didn't take it too seriously, but the symptoms persisted for several days, so Ms. Liu rushed the child to Quanzhou Children's Hospital for treatment. Dongdong was eventually diagnosed with infectious mononucleosis.

It is understood that infectious mononucleosis is an acute or subacute benign lymphocytic infectious disease caused by Epstein-Barr virus. The white blood cell count is normal or slightly increased. In the early stage, neutrophilia is the main symptom, followed by lymphocytosis . Children and adolescents are prone to it.

After the initial infection with EB virus, symptoms vary in severity, and are often more severe in adolescence than in childhood. The younger the age, the more atypical the symptoms. Infants and young children may be asymptomatic or only show upper respiratory tract infections.
Infectious mononucleosis occurs throughout the year, with a high infection rate in the population . Most infections occur in early childhood, and those infected become lifelong virus carriers.

There is no specific treatment for this disease . Generally, symptomatic treatment is the main treatment. Antiviral drugs can be given to patients with severe disease, rapid progression or complications. During the onset period, patients should pay attention to rest, maintain adequate water intake, and relieve symptoms appropriately.

Fever, pharyngitis, and cervical lymphadenopathy are typical symptoms

The typical clinical "triad" of infectious mononucleosis is fever, pharyngitis and cervical lymphadenopathy, which may be accompanied by hepatosplenomegaly and the presence of atypical lymphocytes. The specific characteristics are as follows:

fever

Generally, patients have moderate or high fever, which may last for several days to several weeks.

Swollen lymph nodes

Systemic lymphadenopathy occurs, most commonly in the neck, armpits, and groin. Lymphadenopathy peaks in the first week and then gradually subsides within 2 to 3 weeks.

Fatigue, sore throat

Mental depression and limb weakness are often accompanied by pharyngeal inflammation and tonsil exudate, which may be white or gray-green.

Hepatosplenomegaly

Some patients experience hepatosplenomegaly, which usually begins to retract during the third week of illness.

rash

The probability of occurrence is 10%. Common rashes are generalized and usually appear on the 4th to 10th day of the disease, such as papules, maculopapular rashes, urticaria, scarlet fever-like macules, etc.

How can infectious mononucleosis be prevented?

Infectious mononucleosis is a benign, self-limited disease with a generally good prognosis if uncomplicated.

The course of the disease is generally 1 to 2 weeks, but it may recur. Some patients may have low-grade fever, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, and post-illness fatigue for weeks or months. In very rare cases, the course of the disease may last for several years.

The mortality rate of this disease is 1% to 2%, and the causes of death are spleen rupture, meningitis, myocarditis, etc. After people with congenital immunodeficiency are infected with this disease, their condition deteriorates rapidly.

The disease is mainly transmitted through the mouth, but can also be transmitted through droplets and blood. Acute patients should be isolated from the respiratory tract, avoid kissing others or sharing tableware with others. Avoid crowded places, wash hands frequently, and ventilate more.

Finally, I would like to remind everyone that when children have recurrent fever, pharyngeal tonsillitis, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck, they should seek medical attention promptly to avoid delaying the disease.

Planning and production

Source: China News Service (CNS1952) FM93 Traffic Voice, Fujian Health News, Strait Herald

Editor: Zhong Yanping