Medication
Most people start to recover from mononucleosis within 2 weeks, though some symptoms, such as fatigue, can take 3-4 weeks or even longer to go away. So a common treatment plan for mono is rest with a gradual return to normal activity. The goal is to ease your symptoms and treat any complications that happen.
Procedures
These are the classic symptoms of mono:
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Swollen, sometimes tender glands, most often on the back of the neck
- Sore throat
- Swollen tonsils that are also coated by a white or grey/green material
- Headache
- A pink skin rash ( The National Institute of Health describes it as measles-like .)
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle aches and stiffness
Self-care
Return to work or school: Ask your primary healthcare provider when it is okay to go back to work or school. Do not return until your fever is gone and you feel better. This usually takes about 2 weeks. Prevent the spread of mono: Do not share food or drinks. Do not kiss anyone or donate blood. The virus may be in your saliva for several months after you feel better. Wash your hands often. Use soap and water.
Nutrition
To avoid getting mono yourself, follow these tips:
- Avoid close contact with anyone that you know is infected.
- Don’t kiss or share personal items like toothbrushes, utensils, food, straws, or glasses with anyone that you suspect has mono.
- Keep yourself healthy. Eat a nutritious diet, exercise daily, and sleep for at least six to eight hours nightly.
- Wash your hands regularly.
How long does it take you to recover from Mono?
How soon after contracting mono do you get symptoms?
When can you go back to work after having mono?
How long after getting mono to start drinking?
How long after being exposed to mono will you get it?
The virus has an incubation period of about four to six weeks, although in young children this period may be shorter. The incubation period refers to how long before your symptoms appear after being exposed to the virus. Signs and symptoms such as a fever and sore throat usually lessen within a couple of weeks.
What should you do if exposed to mono?
To avoid spreading the virus if you've been infected, follow these tips:Stay home and rest until your symptoms improve.Don't kiss or share any personal items — including utensils, glasses, lipstick, and food — with other people.Ask your doctor if you should use a condom when you have sex and for how long.More items...
What are the stages of mono?
Stages of MonoThe prodrome stage. Mono infection occurs in three stages. ... The acute phase. The acute phase, which can last for 2 to 6 days, is when the symptoms begin to worsen. ... The convalescent stage. The last stage is the convalescent or recovery stage, which can last from 2 to 6 months.
Can I give someone mono if I had it months ago?
Because it takes about 1–2 months for symptoms to start, people who are infected can spread the virus without knowing it. They're most contagious from right before symptoms start until they go away. But they can stay contagious for months after their symptoms have cleared up.
Is it possible to be exposed to mono and not get it?
To make things even more confusing, some people can carry the virus without ever getting any mono symptoms. So they may not know they have been infected, but they can still pass it to others. In fact, most people have been infected with EBV by the time they reach adulthood.
Can you test positive for mono during the incubation period?
A small number of people with mononucleosis may never have a positive test. The highest number of antibodies occurs 2 to 5 weeks after mono begins. They may be present for up to 1 year. In rare cases, the test is positive even though you do not have mono.
How can I get rid of mono fast?
There's no specific therapy available to treat infectious mononucleosis. Antibiotics don't work against viral infections such as mono. Treatment mainly involves taking care of yourself, such as getting enough rest, eating a healthy diet and drinking plenty of fluids.
Does mono start suddenly?
What Is It? Mononucleosis, or “mono,” is a viral infection that can cause flu-like symptoms that usually show up 4 to 6 weeks after you get it. It's sometimes called the “kissing disease” because the virus often spreads through smooches.
How high is a fever with mono?
Fever of 100-103° F (37.8-39.4° C), which is usually worst during the first week and may worsen at night. Swollen, tender glands (lymph nodes) in the neck, lasting up to one month after you are feeling well. Fatigue.
Can u get mono from eating someone out?
It's quite possible that infection could be passed on during oral sex. Mono, known to doctors as infectious mononucleosis, is usually caused by infection with the Epstein-Barr virus.
What causes mono to flare up?
Most people have mono only once. In rare cases, the symptoms can recur due to a reactivation of EBV. If mono returns, the virus is in your saliva, but you probably won't have any symptoms unless you have a weakened immune system. In rare instances, mono can lead to what's called chronic active EBV (CAEBV) disease .
Can you get mono from stress?
Can mono come back with stress? Chronic stress can weaken your immune system, so it's possible that this could be one trigger leading to a bout of recurrent mono.
How long does it take for a person to get better from mononucleosis?
For some people, their liver or spleen or both may remain enlarged even after their fatigue ends. Most people get better in two to four weeks; however, some people may feel fatigued for several more weeks. Occasionally, the symptoms of infectious mononucleosis can last for six months or longer.
How long does it take for mononucleosis to show?
Typical symptoms of infectious mononucleosis usually appear four to six weeks after you get infected with EBV. Symptoms may develop slowly and may not all occur at the same time.
What does EBV show in blood work?
The blood work of patients who have infectious mononucleosis due to EBV infection may show—. more white blood cells (lymphocytes) than normal. unusual looking white blood cells (atypical lymphocytes) fewer than normal neutrophils or platelets. abnormal liver function.
How does EBV spread?
Typically, these viruses spread most commonly through bodily fluids, especially saliva . However, these viruses can also spread through blood and semen during sexual contact, blood transfusions, and organ transplantations.
What is the most common cause of mononucleosis?
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is the most common cause of infectious mononucleosis, but other viruses can also cause this disease. It is common among teenagers and young adults, especially college students. At least one out of four teenagers and young adults who get infected with EBV will develop infectious mononucleosis.
Is Epstein-Barr a contagious disease?
About Infectious Mononucleosis. Infectious mononucleosis, also called “mono,” is a contagious disease. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is the most common cause of infectious mononucleosis, but other viruses can also cause this disease. It is common among teenagers and young adults, especially college students.
Can you take penicillin for mononucleosis?
If you have infectious mononucleosis, you should not take penicillin antibiotics like ampicillin or amoxicillin. Based on the severity of the symptoms, a healthcare provider may recommend treatment of specific organ systems affected by infectious mononucleosis.
How long is mono contagious?
On average, most people with mono are contagious for around 6 months. In some cases, it could be contagious for up to 18 months. During this time frame, anyone with mono can pass the infection on to others. in teenagers and young adults, particularly students in college.
How can mono prevent the spread of the virus?
People with mono can prevent the virus from spreading by avoiding kissing or the sharing objects that touch the mouth, such as a toothbrush. Most people only have mono once, but the virus will remain inactive in their bodies. Some people might have mono multiple times. Last medically reviewed on May 26, 2020.
How to avoid spreading EBV?
Many people carry the virus without symptoms and pass it 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.
How does mono spread?
cause 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 bodily fluids.
What is the cause of mono?
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is the main cause of mono. Mono is short for mononucleosis. People sometimes refer to mono as glandular fever. Here we discuss how long mono is contagious, its symptoms, and how it usually spreads.
How to stop viruses from spreading?
Good nutrition, quality sleep, and regular exercise are all good ways to stay healthy. Additionally, regular and thorough hand washing is one of the best ways to stop viruses from spreading.
Can EBV be contagious again?
This means that the virus becomes contagious again. Some people will have 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.
How to get rid of mono?
It’s very important to rest and relax if you have mono. Stay home from work or school. Cancel your appointments. Resting helps your body recover and prevent any complications. Not going out also helps prevent transmitting the virus to others.
How long does it take for a spleen to heal from mono?
An enlarged spleen may take up to eight weeks to go back to normal. Mono may make you feel unwell for up to two months. However, it’s considered rare for symptoms to last longer than six weeks. Rare complications of mono, like an injured or ruptured spleen, can take up to three months to heal.
What is the spleen in a mono infection?
The spleen is an organ in your abdomen that stores and filters blood. Almost half of people with a mono infection have an enlarged spleen. Enlarged spleen symptoms include: left side abdomen pain. back pain. feeling full. fatigue. shortness of breath.
What are the symptoms of mono?
Treating symptoms. Treatment usually involves treating symptoms like fever or a sore throat. Mono can cause a person to be prone to secondary bacterial infections. In this case, antibiotics can treat a bacterial: sinus infection. strep infection. tonsil infection.
How do you get mono?
Mono ( mononucleosis) is also called infectious mononucleosis. This disease is sometimes referred to as the “kissing disease” because you can get it through saliva. You can also contract mono by sharing drinking glasses , eating utensils, and through sneezes and coughs. Some kinds of mono are also transmitted through blood and other bodily fluids.
Can you get mono from kissing?
You can get mono in more ways than just kissing someone. You may not be able to prevent getting this viral illness. Mono is contagious even if you don’t have symptoms. You may not know you have it. Once you have symptoms, help your recovery and avoid transmitting mono to others by staying home.
Can you prevent mono?
You can’t always prevent getting mono. Someone who has the virus and doesn’t yet have symptoms might not know they have it. Lower your risk for contracting mono and other viral illnesses with these tips:
How long does it take to recover from mono?
The timeline from the initial transmission of mono to a full recovery can differ significantly from person to person. In the first four to six weeks after a person catches the virus, they may not know they have it because of the long incubation period.
How many stages of mono?
Over the course of a mono infection, a person will experience three different stages of the disease. In each stage, the infection will present with different symptoms and health complications. chee gin tan / Getty Images.
What is mono in 2021?
Anju Goel, MD, MPH. Published on May 19, 2021. Mononucleosis, or mono for short, is not simply a viral infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). It means someone is infected with EBV or another virus and actually has symptoms.
What are the symptoms of stage 2 mono?
Symptoms become more pronounced. They consist of fever, inflammation or swelling in the lymph nodes, and sore throat. 2 Severe fatigue is also present at this phase. Other symptoms that could be present in those with a mono infection include: 4.
How long do symptoms of a prodrome last?
During the prodrome stage, symptoms begin to develop. They could include fatigue and malaise. These symptoms last three to five days on average. 2. In most cases, symptoms do not appear at all.
What age do you have to be to be asymptomatic?
Those who are asymptomatic are typically children under the age of 10. 3 In those who do show symptoms, the symptoms are the first sign of a mono infection, and the infection will advance to the next stage.
How long does stage 3 of a symtom last?
Typically, most of the symptoms have subsided by this stage. However, fatigue and weakness can still linger. This stage can last anywhere from three to six months. 8.
What happens if you get mono?
After you’re infected with Epstein-Barr (EBV) — the main virus that causes mono — the virus begins to shed in your throat. That means you can infect other people who come in contact with your saliva, so you have to be careful about kissing or sharing personal items like cups or utensils.
How to help someone with mono?
Keep yourself healthy. Eat a nutritious diet, exercise daily, and sleep for at least six to eight hours nightly. Wash your hands regularly.
How long does salivary saliva last?
Once your symptoms do appear, they may last for two to four weeks. You can pass the virus to other people through your saliva for up to three months after your symptoms subside. Some studies have reported that you may still be contagious for up to 18 months.
How does EBV spread?
EBV spreads from person to person through saliva and other bodily fluids. This is why mono is often called the “kissing disease.”. If you kiss a person who has the virus — or you share personal items like utensils, glasses, food, or lip balm — you can become infected.
What are the symptoms of mono?
If you’ve caught mono, you typically have symptoms like: fatigue. a sore throat. fever. swollen lymph nodes in your neck. headache. muscle aches. If your symptoms worsen or persist for more than a day or two, make an appointment to see your doctor.
How to avoid spreading the virus?
To avoid spreading the virus if you’ve been infected, follow these tips: Stay home and rest until your symptoms improve. Don’t kiss or share any personal items — including utensils, glasses, lipstick, and food — with other people. Ask your doctor if you should use a condom when you have sex and for how long.
Is mono contagious?
Mono is a viral infection that causes symptoms like fatigue, swollen glands, and a severe sore throat. It’s hard to say exactly how long someone with mono is contagious. Even researchers aren’t totally sure. After you’re infected with Epstein-Barr (EBV) — the main virus that causes mono — the virus begins to shed in your throat.
Why do people get mono?
Here's how it works: Mono, or mononucleosis, usually is caused by an infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). People who have mono can be contagious from the time they first become infected. But they may not know that they have the virus.
How long does EBV last?
People are definitely contagious while they have symptoms, which can last 2–4 weeks or even longer .
Why is mono considered a disease?
Mono has the reputation for being the “Kissing Disease” because amongst the teenage and collegiate ages it is most commonly transmitted through saliva. A person can be exposed to the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) by kissing, sharing eating utensils, or drinking from the same glass as a person who has mono.
What is mononucleosis in adults?
Mononucleosis in Adults: What to Expect and How to Cope. [updated January 2020] Infectious Mononucleosis, or more commonly known as “Mono”, is a viral infection most commonly due to the Epstein-Barr virus (although it can be due to Cytomegalovirus (CMV) as well). In fact, the Epstein-Barr virus ...
Is mono a good thing?
Mono in Adults . Now, most adults, whether they ever developed full-blown Mononucleosis or never had any known symptoms, typically have protective antibodies to the Epstein-Barr virus. This is a good thing because if you have antibodies to the Epstein-Barr virus you should be immune to being infected and becoming sick.
Did Robin Soderling recover from Mono?
Fortunately, he was diagnosed and gave his body some extra time to recover. Robin Soderling, a Swedish top-ranked tennis player wasn’t as fortunate. He developed Mono and the fatigue he developed never improved and his tennis career was cut short in his early thirties: the prime of his career.
Can everyone get mono?
And not everyone who has the virus develops mono symptoms – many people only carry the virus. Most people get the virus as early school-age children or around adolescence/young adulthood; but, anyone can get it, no matter their age.
Do monos have the same symptoms as teens?
Unlike the youngsters, adults with Mono often don’t have the same presenting symptoms of an acute, severe sore throat and swollen lymph glands in the neck.
Can mono cause stomach pain?
Adults with Mono can experience chronic stomach pain and fatigue of insidious onset. The adult form of mononucleosis caused by the Epstein-Barr virus is different from the disease in children and adolescents.
Medicines
Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to take and how often to take it. Follow directions. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly.
Prevent the spread of mono
Do not share food or drinks. Do not kiss anyone. The virus may be in your saliva for several months after you feel better. Wash your hands often. Use soap and water. Wash your hands after you use the bathroom, change a child's diapers, or sneeze. Wash your hands before you prepare or eat food.
Follow up with your healthcare provider in 3 to 4 weeks
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
How long does mono last?
1 According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), some people with mono may even deal with symptoms for up to six months after they first contracted the virus. 1.
How long does mono stay contagious?
Although medical professionals aren't exactly sure how long mono is contagious, some reports suggest that it can be spread to others for roughly three months after the initial transmission. 4.
How common is mono?
Mono is most common in young adults and teenagers: It is estimated that at least one out of four teenagers and young adults who get infected with EBV will develop mono. 1 Roughly 90% of Americans will have caught the virus by the time they turn 35 years old. 2. Oliver Rossi / Getty Images.
How is mono contagious?
Although mono is contagious, it is spread primarily through contact with saliva of an infected person. As soon as a person becomes infected with EBV, they can pass it on to others. Research has shown that following the initial transmission of the virus, viral loads were found in both the mouth and the blood before any symptoms appeared.
What are the symptoms of mono?
Mono may not present with any symptoms at all, especially in children. When symptoms do appear, they may include: 1 1 Fever 2 Headaches 3 Extreme fatigue 4 Rash 5 Sore throat 6 Body aches 7 Swollen liver or spleen 8 Swollen lymph nodes in the neck and armpits
How long does a fever last after an infection?
If your symptoms are particularly severe or last for longer than 10 days , you should see a healthcare provider.
Is mono a contagious disease?
Mono is contagious. Many people refer to the infection as its nickname, the kissing disease, because it is most commonly passed from person to person through saliva. It can also spread through other bodily fluids such as semen and blood during sexual intercourse, blood transfusions, or organ transplants .
Symptoms
Transmission
Prevention & Treatment
Diagnosing Infectious Mononucleosis
Specialist to consult
What Are The Stages of Mono?
- Physical exam
Your doctor may suspect mononucleosis based on your signs and symptoms, how long they've lasted, and a physical exam. He or she will look for signs such as swollen lymph nodes, tonsils, liver or spleen, and consider how these signs relate to the symptoms you describe.
How Is Mono Treated?
How Quickly Does Mono Progress?
What Are The Long-Term Effects of Mono?
Summary
A Word from Verywell
- EBV is the most common cause of infectious mononucleosis, but other viruses can cause this disease. Typically, these viruses spread most commonly through bodily fluids, especially saliva. However, these viruses can also spread through blood and semen during sexual contact, blood transfusions, and organ transplantations.