MedStar Health Expert Warns Teens on Mono and Spleen Injury Risk
Dr. Alicia Bazzano advises students to monitor for symptoms like fatigue and sore throats while avoiding contact sports during recovery.
By Neha Delgado ·
MedStar Health physician Dr. Alicia Bazzano outlined the specific health risks facing high school and college students as the fall semester begins.
Older children and adolescents face distinct medical challenges because they gather in enclosed spaces and occasionally share drinks, according to Bazzano.
Common illnesses in this age group include mononucleosis, strep throat, and skin infections.
Bazzano stated that flu and COVID-19 require serious attention in children of all ages, often necessitating several days of home rest.
"The flu could be one of those diseases that make children stay home a few days," Bazzano said. "With COVID, the same. It is also not advisable to dismiss diseases like meningitis. Regarding mononucleosis, it can cause sore throat, fever, and fatigue, but the most important thing is that they should not play sports because they can cause spleen injuries."
Mononucleosis, commonly called mono, causes the spleen to enlarge. This swelling increases the likelihood of physical injury if a student engages in athletic activity. The condition is characterized by fatigue, sore throat, and fever.
Source: Latin Opinion
