Infectious mononucleosis, commonly known as mono, is an illness that spreads through saliva. Many people wonder: How long is mono contagious, or when is it safe to go out normally? This situation depends on the person, the intensity of the infection, and other health factors. In some cases, it might recover in a few days but remain contagious for a while.
Learning about this infection is important, as once you know about its early signs and causes, the appropriate recovery plan can be adopted. This guide will give you an insight into mono, from learning about the mono contagious period to knowing if it can happen twice.
Let’s dive deep and understand how long mono is contagious and know the necessary factors to stay safe.
What is Mono? How long is it contagious?
Mono is a viral infection that spreads through saliva and is known as the “kissing disease”. It usually affects young adults and stays within the system for up to months, affecting their overall health.
Mono is very contagious, especially during the first 2-4 weeks after the signs are felt. People are most likely to spread this virus during this time period. Even if the signs go away, the infection remains within the body for up to 6 months and, in rare cases, up to 18 months.
What is infectious mononucleosis?
Mono is the short name of infectious mononucleosis and typically comes from the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). It commonly happens in adults, but it can spread to people of any age group. Mono is usually not serious and does not cause long-term sickness.
Causes of mononucleosis
The common causes of mononucleosis infection include:
- Mainly caused by the Epstein-Barr virus
- At times caused by cytomegalovirus
- Close contact with an infected person
Unlike the flu, mono is not contagious through kissing, but as soon as you feel its signs or are skeptical about your condition, it is best advised to instantly visit the ER for a quick diagnosis. At ER of Mesquite, we offer the best emergency services under the supervision of board-certified health professionals.
How long is mono contagious after antibiotics?
Although antibiotics don’t shorten the contagious period, they treat any secondary bacterial infection, such as strep throat. Mainly, the contagious period depends on the seriousness of the virus, but not on antibiotics.
How long is mono contagious for adults?
If you’re wondering, “How long is mono contagious for adults?”, then the right answer to it depends on different factors. It relies upon age, the immune system, and illness stage. Once the symptoms appear, it becomes contagious for 2-4 weeks. During this period, the body fights off the Epstein-Barr virus.
In most adults, once the symptoms, like a sore throat, enlarged lymph nodes, and fatigue, begin fading, it remains very contagious for several months. In prolonged cases, the virus remains contagious for up to 6 months or even up to 18 months.
Symptoms of mononucleosis infection
By knowing the early signs of mono, you can adopt instant treatment. Moreover, at times, severe symptoms appear 4-6 weeks after exposure, which can increase the severity of the virus.
Below are a few symptoms of mononucleosis infection.
- sore throat
- Skin rashes
- High fever and headaches
- Fatigue for a few weeks
- Enlarged lymph nodes
Diagnosis of mononucleosis
If you’re confused about whether you have a mononucleosis infection or not, the correct way to clear all doubts is through lab testing. Upon feeling its signs, it is best recommended to instantly get checked so that the infection can be diagnosed.
With the help of a physical exam and a blood test, your doctor can diagnose whether the mononucleosis virus is present or not. At times, a test for EBV antibodies is also conducted by examining blood samples to determine whether mononucleosis is present.
Treatment of mononucleosis
There is no direct treatment for mono infection; however, it can be treated with rest and supportive care. In rare cases, mono does not respond easily to antibiotics, as it is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV); however, with the right treatment, you can easily overcome its symptoms.
Sufficient Rest
The signs of mono can last several weeks to even months, but with proper rest, you can help heal naturally. It is also important to avoid heavy physical activities and get plenty of sleep.
Healthy Diet
By following a proper diet and staying hydrated, your body can naturally fight through the infection. A balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, herbs, grains, and proteins is essential, followed by healthy liquids.
Medications
Doctor-prescribed medications can also help ease symptoms of pain. Since different people could be allergic to certain medicines, it is important to consult a doctor before taking any medicines.
Can you get mono twice?
Mono can happen again, but it is not common. This is because once infected by the virus, the body builds an immunity to fight through it. Even after curing, the virus remains in the body but can reactivate at any time.
People have reported less about mono happening again, but when you have a weak immune system, it can occur again, and you suffer from the same symptoms. It is always advised to get the necessary medical examinations, such as flu testing, if you experience the signs of mono.
Final Verdict
Although mono is not as contagious as other viral flus, it is important to understand how long mono is contagious for adults and teens. This assists in taking necessary actions to treat the problem.
If you or your loved ones are diagnosed with infectious mononucleosis, immediately take rest, stay hydrated, and improve your diet, as this reduces the contagious period. Moreover, during such situations, it is always recommended to immediately visit an emergency care center to get an on-site medical examination.
Want to get a medical test? Simply visit or contact us at the ER of Mesquite for 24/7 emergency care.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it normal to sleep next to someone diagnosed with mono?
As mono happens due to mononucleosis infection, which is a viral disease, it is not safe to sleep next to someone with mono, especially during the first 2-4 weeks.
How long should you stay away from a person with mono?
The mono contagious period depends upon how severe the infection is, so it can remain within the body for up to 6 months to up to 18 months, so it is advised to stay away from the person until all the signs of mono go away.
How long is mono contagious for kids?
The period depends upon the immune system; while the early signs can go away within a few weeks, complete recovery can take up to several months.
