Mono can last for a few weeks or several months and spreads mostly through saliva. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is the main crusade of mono.

Mono is short for mononucleosis. People sometimes refer to mono as 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 accept up to xviii months for a person with mono to no longer be contagious.

It is yet unclear exactly how long mono infections tin remain contagious subsequently symptoms stop.

On average, most people with mono are contagious for around 6 months. In some cases, it could be contagious for upward to eighteen months.

During this time frame, anyone with mono tin can pass the infection on to others.

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

People who take antiviral medication to care for mono may recover quicker, but the evidence is not conclusive. More than research is necessary to examine this treatment and whether it 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 over again.

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

Genetics could likewise play a role in EBV infection, immunity, and the potential effects of the virus. Even so, this surface area requires further inquiry.

The symptoms of mono vary for each person. Some people merely accept mild symptoms. Others feel very ill and may notice it difficult to continue 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 peel
  • breadbasket pain
  • loss of appetite

People may notice symptoms 4–half dozen weeks after contracting EBV. Doctors refer to this as the incubation period. Symptoms typically appear gradually before increasing in intensity.

The elapsing of symptoms varies for anybody. Nigh people will recover in two–4 weeks. Nonetheless, some people take symptoms that last for over six months.

The most mutual 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 can spread through kissing or sharing items such as cutlery and toothbrushes.

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

  • contact with blood
  • semen or vaginal fluids during sex
  • blood transfusions
  • organ transplants

It is difficult to prevent the spread of EBV. Many people bear the virus without symptoms and pass it on to others.

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

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

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

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help the torso to fight off viruses. Skillful nutrition, quality sleep, and regular exercise are all good ways to stay salubrious.

Additionally, regular and thorough paw washing is one of the best ways to stop viruses from spreading.

Covering the mouth when coughing and sneezing and throwing away tissues straight after use can also help reduce the spread of viruses.

In that location is currently no cure for EBV viruses.

Subsequently condign infected with EBV, the virus can be inactive in the body. It does not cause whatsoever symptoms while it is inactive.

Once a person has had mono, information technology is unlikely that they will develop mono again.

Treatments for mono focus on relieving symptoms. Some home remedies that may assist include:

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

For severe cases of mono, a doc may prescribe farther 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 better, and their doctor approves.

Some people may nonetheless feel tired for several weeks or months after other symptoms go away, which may affect their work.

Mono tin can cause an enlarged spleen. People who feel an enlarged spleen from mono should avoid contact sports or heavy lifting. This care volition aid to prevent the spleen from rupturing.

It is best to see a doctor for any signs of mono. Doctors will normally diagnose mono by assessing symptoms and looking at medical history. They might also require some blood tests.

People should meet a md if symptoms begin to worsen, or new symptoms occur during handling.

They should seek immediate medical attention for any of the following symptoms:

  • severe and persistent pain in the left abdomen or lower chest
  • feelings of weakness
  • lightheadedness or dizziness

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

People with mono can forestall the virus from spreading by avoiding kissing or the sharing objects that impact the mouth, such as a toothbrush.

Near people simply have mono once, but the virus volition remain inactive in their bodies. Some people might accept mono multiple times.