A 23-year-old man presents with fever, sore throat, fatigue, myalgias, and a morbilliform rash. Rapid strep and Monospot tests are negative. Which prevention strategy should be recommended for this patient?

A 23-year-old man presents with fever, sore throat, fatigue, myalgias, and a morbilliform rash. Rapid strep and Monospot tests are negative. Which prevention strategy should be recommended for this patient?

• A. Abstain from sexual activity
• B. Avoid aspirin
• C. Avoid contact sports and rest
• D. Bedrest and increased fluids

Answer: (A)

Infectious mononucleosis is spread mainly through saliva, so preventing transmission centers on reducing saliva exchange with others. Abstaining from sexual activity helps limit intimate contact that often involves kissing or saliva exchange, thereby lowering the risk of spreading the Epstein-Barr virus to partners. The other options address the patient’s comfort and safety (rest and fluids), potential splenic rupture risk with strenuous activity, or issues related to medication choices, but they don’t directly reduce saliva transmission.

Infectious mononucleosis is spread mainly through saliva, so preventing transmission centers on reducing saliva exchange with others. Abstaining from sexual activity helps limit intimate contact that often involves kissing or saliva exchange, thereby lowering the risk of spreading the Epstein-Barr virus to partners. The other options address the patient’s comfort and safety (rest and fluids), potential splenic rupture risk with strenuous activity, or issues related to medication choices, but they don’t directly reduce saliva transmission.