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Mono can be difficult to diagnose in children, because they might not show any symptoms at all or the signs could be mistaken for a cold or a flu. For some reason, the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) does not make children as sick as it does teens or adults.
For children older than 4, a blood test can be done. However, young children can test negative for mono even if they are infected. Once a child acquires EBV, she will have it forever, even after she recovers. The virus may reactivate, but she won't get mono again; she will pass it on to others. - Infected children feel tired and can have a fever. A sore throat also usually follows. Swollen glands in the neck and other places are other classic symptoms of mono, with fever and tiredness systematically getting worse.
- The phenomenon of seeing distorted sizes, shapes and distances is rare, but it affects primarily young children with infectious mononucleosis. This should be taken seriously, as it can be the only symptom. These symptoms usually do not last longer than five months.
- According to pediatrician Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, founder and former director of the Montreal Children's Hospital Pediatric Consultation and Asthma Centers, up to 50 percent of children with mono develop an enlarged spleen. As physical activity can lead to a ruptured spleen, children should avoid exercise and activity if they have mono.
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Other signs to watch for include rashes, abdominal pain or a runny nose. Alone or in combination with one another, these signs could indicate that your child is suffering from mono.
Approximately one in 20 children who suffer from mono also have strep throat. If antibiotics don't take care of the strep throat, there is a good chance your child has mono.
