Why should children who contract EBV avoid contact sports for a year?

Children who contract Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) are advised to avoid contact sports for a year primarily due to the increased risk of splenic rupture. EBV is known to cause infectious mononucleosis, which leads to splenomegaly (enlargement of the spleen). The spleen plays a critical role in the immune system, and its enlargement makes it more vulnerable to trauma. When the spleen is enlarged, it is more susceptible to rupture even with minor impacts or injuries that may occur during contact sports, which can lead to significant internal bleeding and require emergency medical intervention.

Therefore, the recommendation for these patients to abstain from contact sports for an extended period, typically up to a year, is a precautionary measure aimed at preventing potentially life-threatening complications associated with splenic rupture. This understanding of the complication related to EBV infection highlights the importance of monitoring and managing patients with infectious mononucleosis carefully, especially in maintaining their safety during physical activities.