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| |    Mono: When to Resume Normal Activities by Lynn Cates, M.D., F.A.A.P. reviewed by Laura Jana, M.D., F.A.A.P. Most people recover from mono in a few days to about six weeks, but it is important to be aware that a few children will experience continued fatigue, low energy levels, and even some mild depression for a couple of months after that. Generally, children can return to their usual activities as soon as their fever is gone and they feel up to it. Returning to play, sports The one important exception to letting children resume their normal activities when they feel up to it is when they have an enlarged spleen, a situation that leaves this normally well-protected organ exposed in the abdomen and susceptible to injury. These children should wait until their healthcare providers give them clearance before they return to play and sports. Until then, a child who has an enlarged spleen should avoid such activities as contact sports and bicycle riding, the latter because it could cause handlebar injuries to the abdomen. Returning to school It can be hard to decide when your child is up to returning to school. It's a good idea to speak with his teachers or principal once the diagnosis of mono has been made, since mono can cause a relatively prolonged illness in terms of missing school. That way, they can help ease the transition back to school once your child is ready. Some children do best when they start back gradually by attending only half days. The amount they attend can be increased as tolerated. It is important to be patient about this, because your child may still be fatigued. Try to see that he isn't given too much work--not only so that he won't become frustrated, but also so that he doesn't become overly tired and have a relapse. If your child had a particularly severe case of mono and had a lengthy absence from school, consider letting him return first to just his favorite class to help him build his confidence while he is regaining his strength. In my experience, many parents are anxious to have their children take on their hardest subjects first to prevent falling further behind. But this strategy can backfire if the child is not up to the task: He may fall further behind and become demoralized at the same time!
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