Athletic Trainer’s Corner- November 2019

Down with the Sickness

With cold season coming in and teenagers being known to share… drinks…, we all need to be prepared to deal with sicknesses. One such illness that we need to keep in mind during this time of year is mono. Mononucleosis, more commonly known as ‘mono’, is an illness that can present symptoms similar to the flu: feeling fatigued, headaches, and sore throats. But the true signs of mono that differentiate it from flu symptoms are enlarged lymph nodes in the neck and fever.1

We know that mono is contagious. It not only spreads through saliva, but also through simple things like coughs or sneezes, resulting in all those symptoms which can last up to 8 weeks! However, the spread of mono is not the only concern we should have with our athletes. Mononucleosis actually effects the spleen! Our spleens are involved in the immune system because it filters and stores blood cells. When mono enters the immune system, the spleen sends out white blood cells to help fight against the infection and ends up working overtime causing it to become enlarged. About 4-5x bigger than normal.1 When the spleen becomes this big it exposes itself to injury because the rib cage can no longer protect it.2 Contact can definitely cause the spleen to rupture, but studies show that 85% of spleen ruptures are actually non-contact.1 How can we protect against this? Simple rest and fluids are exactly what is needed to combat mono.2

Treating mono is very similar to the flu, where antibiotics can’t fight against the sickness. Taking time to rest and replenish nutrients/fluids (LOTS of water) in their body can help not make the sickness last longer. Even drinking juice can help get antioxidants and vitamins in the system while the throat is sore. If your child’s throat is really sore, gargling some warm salt water can help relieve their pain.2 What can help prevent your athletes from catching this nasty sickness is teaching them good hygiene habits – washing hands, not sharing their drinks, and having them cover their nose and mouth when sneezing. Also, washing their water bottles a few more times during these higher flu/cold seasons, can help reduce their risk of catching mono. But since our athletes tend to share most often than not, making sure they are taking the ample amount of rest time if they do end up catching the sickness.

Seattle United’s Athletic Trainer

Jasmin Ayala, MS, ATC-L/R

References

1. Dev Mishra. What athletes should know about mono. October 2004. Retrieved at https://www.socceramerica.com/publications/article/83923/what-athletes-should-know-about-mono.html
2. Retrieved at mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mononucleosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350328