Mono can concluding for a few weeks or several months and spreads more often than not through saliva. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is the master cause of mono.

Mono is brusk for mononucleosis. People sometimes refer to mono equally glandular fever.

Here we hash out how long mono is contagious, its symptoms, and how it usually spreads.

a woman holding her head because she has a headache from mono contagious and she is wondering how long is it going to last for Share on Pinterest
It may take up to 18 months for a person with mono to no longer exist contagious.

It is however unclear exactly how long mono infections can remain contagious after symptoms stop.

On average, nigh people with mono are contagious for effectually 6 months. In some cases, it could be contagious for upward to 18 months.

During this time frame, anyone with mono can laissez passer the infection on to others.

Mono is more common in teenagers and young adults, particularly students in college. EBV may have infected effectually 95% of people by the time they reach adulthood.

People who accept antiviral medication to care for mono may recover quicker, only the evidence is not conclusive. More research is necessary to examine this treatment and whether information technology affects how contagious the virus is.

The virus may reactivate in anyone who has EBV in their body. This means that the virus becomes contagious again.

Some people will accept no symptoms when the virus reactivates. In people with weakened immune systems, however, reactivation may cause some symptoms.

Genetics could also play a role in EBV infection, immunity, and the potential effects of the virus. However, this expanse requires further research.

The symptoms of mono vary for each person. Some people only have mild symptoms. Others experience very sick and may find it difficult to keep with daily activities.

Symptoms of mono include:

  • fatigue
  • sore throat
  • fever
  • headache
  • aching body
  • bloated lymph nodes, in the armpit and neck
  • rashes
  • jaundice, which is a yellowing of the skin
  • stomach pain
  • loss of appetite

People may observe symptoms 4–6 weeks after contracting EBV. Doctors refer to this as the incubation period. Symptoms typically announced gradually before increasing in intensity.

The elapsing of symptoms varies for everyone. Most people volition recover in 2–4 weeks. Withal, some people have symptoms that terminal for over half dozen months.

The nigh common crusade of mono is an EBV infection. The virus typically spreads through bodily fluids.

People can transmit EBV to others through saliva. This means that EBV tin can spread through kissing or sharing items such every bit cutlery and toothbrushes.

The virus can spread through other bodily fluids. For example, it may spread through:

  • contact with blood
  • semen or vaginal fluids during sexual activeness
  • claret transfusions
  • organ transplants

It is difficult to prevent the spread of EBV. Many people behave the virus without symptoms and pass information technology on to others.

However, there are steps people can take to help prevent transmitting or contracting mono.

People with mono should avoid kissing others while the virus is active. They should also avoid sharing anything that touches their oral cavity, including:

  • eating utensils
  • lipstick or chapstick
  • toothbrushes
  • drinking spectacles
  • cigarettes
  • inhalers

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can assist the trunk to fight off viruses. Proficient nutrition, quality slumber, and regular do are all good ways to stay healthy.

Additionally, regular and thorough hand washing is one of the best means to terminate viruses from spreading.

Roofing the mouth when coughing and sneezing and throwing abroad tissues straight afterward utilize can as well help reduce the spread of viruses.

There is currently no cure for EBV viruses.

Afterwards becoming infected with EBV, the virus can exist inactive in the body. It does non crusade whatsoever symptoms while it is inactive.

Once a person has had mono, it is unlikely that they will develop mono once again.

Treatments for mono focus on relieving symptoms. Some abode remedies that may help include:

  • getting enough residual
  • drinking plenty of fluids
  • taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain relief
  • taking OTC decongestant medications
  • avoiding alcohol

For severe cases of mono, a physician may prescribe further treatment. For example, they may use corticosteroids to reduce swelling in the throat or tonsils.

People can return to school, college, or work once they are feeling improve, and their doctor approves.

Some people may still experience tired for several weeks or months after other symptoms go away, which may bear on their work.

Mono can cause an enlarged spleen. People who experience an enlarged spleen from mono should avoid contact sports or heavy lifting. This care will assist to forbid the spleen from rupturing.

It is best to encounter a physician for whatever signs of mono. Doctors will usually diagnose mono by assessing symptoms and looking at medical history. They might also require some blood tests.

People should see a doctor if symptoms begin to worsen, or new symptoms occur during treatment.

They should seek firsthand medical attending for whatever of the following symptoms:

  • severe and persistent hurting in the left abdomen or lower breast
  • feelings of weakness
  • lightheadedness or dizziness

Mono causes symptoms such as fatigue, sore throat, and body aches. Most people will recover from these symptoms within a few weeks. Just the virus is still contagious for several months after symptoms go.

People with mono can prevent the virus from spreading past fugitive kissing or the sharing objects that bear upon the rima oris, such equally a toothbrush.

Most people just have mono one time, simply the virus will remain inactive in their bodies. Some people might have mono multiple times.