HELP! 2 yr old has "mono patterned illness" and I'm 7 mon prego!

[Hethir09]

I am so upset and worried. After two weeks of very perplexing symptoms (a strange rash, diarrhea, one night of vomiting and 2 weeks of fevers that occasionally go completely away for an entire day) our dr finally took a blood test and diagnosed my baby as having "mono patterned illness" that will likely result in "a very tired baby for a few weeks" . He is also very anemic and needs iron supplements for the next few months. Has anyone experienced/ heard of this? What can I do to help him heal faster?

Also, I'm 7 months prego and stressed over getting it myself. I don't exactly have a few weeks to spare for illness. The doctor seemed confident that as an adult I'd already be immune. But now my husband and father in law are throwing up and having diarrhea. Any advice for avoiding these illnesses (or super illness)?

I'm just so worried. After so long of being sick, I'm losing hope that he'll ever heal. I'm also worried about what if the doctor is wrong?? *sigh*

[DiannaK]

When I was about 6 months pregnant with my twins, the majority of the emergency room staff, including myself, contracted mono. (Im an ER nurse) I called my OB, as well as my primary care physician, and basically, there's really not a lot of treatment except rest, fluids, and meds for fever or cough. I had no fever or cough, just extreme fatigue. I felt like poop for a few weeks, then no big deal after that.

Personally, I'd just institute a lot of good handwashing in your house, no drinking after one another, as well as lots and lots of fluids for you. You can call your OB/midwife to see what they recommend, but they weren't a huge help for me.

As far as your son, I don't have a lot of advice. We don't generally test kids that young for mono. Why is he anemic? Is it a lactose allergy (hence the diarrhea?) Hoping someone can help you out there.