How Long is Mono Contagious

Informally termed as the 'kissing disease', mono stands for mononucleosis. It is also known as the Glandular fever. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a virus belonging to the herpes family of viruses, is the most common cause which is responsible for the onset of this illness. Most of the class of herpes viruses, if contracted once by anyone, stays in the person's body for the remaining of his life and so does the mononucleosis virus - EBV. The incubation period (the period between infection and the appearance of symptoms of the disease) of mono is about 4 to 8 weeks. So most people remain unaware even if they have been infected by the EBV, until the symptoms start revealing themselves. It is more severe in some cases where mono is asymptomatic, meaning it might not show any symptoms at all. This makes it more difficult for the affected person to determine if he is really carrying mono or not. Before coming to know about how long is mono contagious, let's know about its symptoms.

Mono Symptoms
The initial symptoms of mono or mononucleosis include the onset of a general lack of energy in the infected person, headache, poor appetite or loss of appetite and chills. If the infection progresses further, the symptoms which may show up are sore throat (severe), fever and in some cases, swollen lymph glands in the neck area. Swollen tonsils, skin rash, soft or swollen spleen and night sweats may also be some of the symptoms of mononucleosis.

Mono Contagious - For How Long?
Is mono contagious? Well, yes, but not as contagious as an infection such as a common cold. However, there is no solid or specific mononucleosis contagious period. In some cases, people who have had suffered from this infection, were not always contagious. The virus tends to become less contagious over time. Some people may be contagious right from the time when they have been infected and may have the risk of spreading it even long after the symptoms are gone. Doctors have found that for some people the mononucleosis contagious period continued for as long as 18 months even after the symptoms had subsided completely. However, chances are closer to nil that, after this period, the affected person will spread the infection further. So, if you ask as to how long is mono contagious, then I would say,' I am not completely sure, as even the doctors aren't!' Read more on infectious mononucleosis.

In a situation wherein there is no definite answer about the mononucleosis contagious period, the best option to be on a safer side is to prevent the illness from spreading further. Avoid sharing glass or food utensils, drinking straw and most importantly avoid kissing (especially open mouth kissing). As the virus which causes the illness is readily transmitted through the saliva, it is wise not to come in contact with anything that has been contaminated by the mouth of the affected person.

Mononucleosis is self limited as the other common viral infections and simply needs to run its course, for about 2-4 weeks. Mononucleosis (mono) treatment involves medications which can be administered in order to provide relief from the symptoms. Plenty of rest is required for the affected person and so does increasing fluid intake. Inculcating a well balanced diet helps to make the immune system stronger and the body less prone to infections.

Even if there is no definite answer about how long is mono contagious, there is still a rough idea to it. What's more important is to take utmost care in not spreading the illness further and also, not getting infected from someone else!