🔥 Mono Recovery Timeline & Return-to-Sport Simulator

Acute Mononucleosis — Why Rest Comes First

Placeholder: acute EBV illness demands rest to limit splenic strain.

• 1–2 wk: Typical fever duration (placeholder note)
• ~50%: Splenomegaly incidence (placeholder note)
• Days 1–10: Bed rest advised (placeholder note)
• None: Activity allowed (placeholder note)

Acute phase management

Placeholder: symptomatic care, hydration, and strict rest during acute illness.

Weeks 2–3 — Reintroducing Light Movement

Placeholder: gentle activity resumes as acute symptoms fade.

• Week 2+: Walking allowed (placeholder note)
• 2–4 wk: Fatigue duration (placeholder note)
• Light only: Non-contact exercise (placeholder note)
• Not yet: Contact sport (placeholder note)

Graded activity return

Placeholder: activity increases gradually, guided by symptom tolerance.

Serial Ultrasound — Tracking Spleen Size

Placeholder: ultrasound measures spleen length to guide clearance timing.

• ~Week 3: First scan (placeholder note)
• ≤12 cm: Normal spleen length (placeholder note)
• 1–2 wk: Repeat interval (placeholder note)
• Abdominal US: Modality (placeholder note)

Monitoring protocol

Placeholder: repeat scans confirm the spleen is shrinking toward normal.

Spleen Size Normalization Timeline

Placeholder: most spleens normalize within four to six weeks.

• 4–6 wk: Median normalization (placeholder note)
• Weeks 2–3: Rupture risk window (placeholder note)
• <0.5%: Rupture incidence (placeholder note)
• Up to 12 wk: Delayed cases (placeholder note)

Normalization variability

Placeholder: normalization speed varies by individual and initial severity.

Clearing Athletes for Contact Sport

Placeholder: clearance requires normal spleen size and no symptoms.

• ≥4 wk: Minimum time off (placeholder note)
• US-confirmed: Clearance criteria (placeholder note)
• Cleared last: Contact sports (placeholder note)
• Earlier ok: Non-contact return (placeholder note)

Return-to-play decision

Placeholder: clinicians combine ultrasound findings with symptom resolution.

Placeholder: never clear contact sport while spleen remains enlarged.