Teen Health Risks: Why Contact Sports Are Banned During Mono
MedStar Health expert Alicia Bazzano warns that mononucleosis can enlarge the spleen, making physical activity dangerous for students.
By John Wisniewski ·
High school and college students face distinct health threats during the fall semester, driven by close physical contact and shared items in crowded spaces. While younger children fall ill frequently, older adolescents encounter specific risks associated with socializing in tight quarters.
MedStar Health physician Alicia Bazzano spoke with CBS News Baltimore to identify common ailments affecting this demographic. She listed mononucleosis, strep throat, and skin infections as primary concerns for teenagers and university students.
Bazzano emphasized that influenza requires attention across all age groups. She noted that the flu often keeps children home for several days and is comparable to COVID-19 in its impact on daily routines. She also advised that meningitis should not be ignored in this population.
Mononucleosis presents with symptoms including sore throat, fever, and fatigue. The condition can cause the spleen to enlarge. Bazzano stated that patients must stop playing sports because physical exertion can lead to spleen injuries.
The doctor explained that the enlarged spleen increases the risk of damage during physical activity. This specific complication makes contact sports particularly hazardous for students recovering from mono.
Bazzano confirmed that these health issues are common enough to warrant specific medical guidance for older students as the new school term begins.
Source: Latin Opinion
