How do you get mono without kissing?

While the most common way for the virus to spread is, indeed, through saliva, you don’t have to kiss someone with an active strain of it in order to contract it. It can also be transmitted by activities like sharing drinks and using another person’s utensils, or through blood and other bodily fluids.

How can a person get mono?

HOW DID I GET MONO? Infectious mononucleosis is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). EBV can spread through contact with saliva from an infected person; for example, you can get it through kissing, sharing eating utensils with, or drinking from the same glass as someone who is infected with the virus.

Is mono a STD?

Technically, yes, mono can be considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI). But that’s not to say that all cases of mono are STIs. Mono, or infectious mononucleosis as you might hear your doctor call it, is a contagious disease caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).

Can you get mono for no reason?

But most people develop mono only once. If EBV reactivates, it rarely causes symptoms. However, you may unknowingly spread the reactivated virus to others. And people with weakened immune systems may develop mono symptoms more than once.

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.

Can kids get mono?

Infants and young kids infected with EBV usually have very mild symptoms or none at all. But infected teens and young adults often develop the symptoms that define mono. Other viruses, such as cytomegalovirus, can sometimes cause a mono-like illness too.

What mono looks like?

The common signs of mono include swollen, red tonsils, enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, and a fever that ranges from 102°F to 104°F. About one-third of people who have mono have a whitish coating on their tonsils. Approximately 50% of people with mono have swollen spleens.

Does mono go away?

Mono symptoms usually go away within 2 to 4 weeks. In some teens, though, the tiredness and weakness can last for months. When you start feeling better, take it slow and don’t overdo it. Although you can return to school after your fever is gone, you may still feel tired.

When can I kiss after mono?

This is called the incubation period. 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.

Do you cough with mono?

Rare Symptoms

Small children with mono may just be a little irritable and have a decreased appetite. On the other hand, they may also have mild upper respiratory infection symptoms, such as a cough, runny nose, or mild fever.

How do doctors know if you have mono?

A lot of doctors will do blood tests to confirm mono, though. If someone has symptoms of mono, the doctor may order a complete blood count to look at the lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that shows specific changes when a person has mono. A doctor may also order a blood test called a monospot.

How did my daughter get mono?

It’s usually caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. People get it through contact with saliva, mucus from the nose and throat, and sometimes tears. A child can get mono if he or she kisses an infected person. Or a child may get it after sharing a glass, fork, or spoon with someone who has mono.

How long does mono last for?

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.

What should I do if I have mono?

Lifestyle and home remedies
  1. Drink plenty of water and fruit juices. Fluids help relieve a fever and sore throat and prevent dehydration.
  2. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. Use pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) as needed. …
  3. Gargle with salt water.

Are there different types of mono?

Ninety percent of cases of infectious mononucleosis are caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. Two major strains of EBV exist; EBV type-1 and EBV type-2. They differ biologically and in their geographic distribution, but cause the same clinical symptoms.

How do you get over mono fast?

How to treat mono
  1. Hydrate. Drink plenty of fluids to keep yourself hydrated. …
  2. Rest. Mono can make you feel weak and fatigued, so aim to get about eight to 10 hours of sleep a night and nap when you feel you need to. …
  3. Gargle salt water. …
  4. Take fever-reducing medication. …
  5. Prescription medication.

Is mono painful?

Mono may begin slowly with fatigue, a general ill feeling, headache, and sore throat. The sore throat slowly gets worse. Your tonsils become swollen and develop a whitish-yellow covering. Often, the lymph nodes in the neck are swollen and painful.