A 17-year-old boy presents with five days of fever, sore throat with exudative tonsillitis, and posterior cervical lymphadenopathy. Examination shows splenomegaly. Blood counts reveal lymphocytosis with atypical lymphocytes, and the heterophile antibody test is positive. In addition to supportive care, he should be specifically advised to avoid:

• A Salicylate-free antipyretics
• B All dairy products for six weeks
• C Daytime sunlight exposure
• D Contact sports until splenomegaly resolves ✓

Explanation

The picture is classic infectious mononucleosis due to Epstein-Barr virus. Splenomegaly occurs in about half of cases, and the feared early complication is splenic rupture, typically after minor trauma from athletic activity. Patients are therefore advised to avoid contact sports for at least three to four weeks or until the spleen is no longer palpable. Amoxicillin-triggered rash is another classic association but is not asked here. The other restrictions have no basis in EBV management.

Reference: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 21st ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.