Brandon Peters, MD, is a board-certified neurologist and sleep medicine specialist. Mono can also be caused by cytomegalovirus (CMV). Typically, these viruses spread most commonly through bodily fluids, especially saliva. contagious That person might not feel ill or show any mono symptoms, but can spread For most people, the symptoms of fatigue associated with mono will gradually resolve over a period of two weeks to a few months. Then a sore throat develops with swollen glands in the neck and elsewhere. Hopefully you see that it really depends on when it is detected and knowing those warning signs are the best way to get help. Typically, these viruses spread most commonly through bodily fluids, especially saliva. Once you are undergoing the necessary treatments mono usually lasts for about a month but has been known to last up to 6 months in some rare cases. © 2005-2020 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. or even longer. Some antibiotics, like amoxicillin and penicillin, can even cause a rash if you have mono. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, 2010;50(5):699-706. doi:10.1086/650456, How Long Fatigue Lasts in Infectious Mononucleosis, Ⓒ 2020 About, Inc. (Dotdash) — All rights reserved. time they reach adulthood. This may even last a week or two.
© 2005 - 2020 WebMD LLC. That's worth the wait. Although everybody is different, the rash usually lasts for about 7 to 10 days. You might have: Signs of mono usually show up 4 to 6 weeks after youâre infected with the virus. Left Brain vs. Health experts aren't sure how long people with mono stay contagious after symptoms are gone, but it seems they can spread the infection for months after that. What Should I Know About Epstein-Barr Virus? Once you have symptoms, help your recovery and avoid transmitting mono to others by staying home. You can also take OTC cold and flu medications that contain pain relievers, such as: Throat gargles can help soothe a sore throat. This infection is usually caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and spreads through kissing, sharing of tooth brush, lip balm or lipstick, fork or spoon and sexual contact. In those cases, further evaluation may be necessary. However, one is sure to know that something is wrong with their health when they get infected with active mono. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. You may also have other common symptoms, like: Along with other symptoms, mono can cause the spleen to get bigger. Epstein-Barr Virus and Infectious Mononucleosis. The virus that…. Typical symptoms of infectious mononucleosis usually appear four to six weeks after you get infected with EBV. Mono is contagious even if you don’t have symptoms. Eat healthy whole foods to help your immune system fight the mono virus.
EBV is the most common cause of infectious mononucleosis, but other viruses can cause this disease. One should avoid sharing their toothbrush, utensils, dishes and water bottles to keep mono at bay. The blood work of patients who have infectious mononucleosis due to EBV infection may show—, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Enjoy low-key activities, like reading and watching movies, as you recover. How Long Is Mononucleosis (Mono) Contagious? You can also contract mono by sharing drinking glasses, eating utensils, and through sneezes and coughs. Although there are no quick means of getting rid of Mono, with the right home treatments one is sure to feel better and relieved in a matter of few weeks. Because they require different treatment, they shouldn't be overlooked as having a possible role in ongoing symptoms. The spleen is an organ in your abdomen that stores and filters blood. Most people get better in two to four weeks; however, some people may feel fatigued for several more weeks. Mono infections are very common among teenagers and young adults, especially those living in close quarters, like in dormitories on college campuses. Everything You Need to Know About Epstein-Barr Virus, Is Mono a Sexually Transmitted Infection? Epstein-Barr: Scientists decode secrets of a very common virus that can cause cancer. Mono can’t always be prevented, but one can reduce their risk of contracting Mono by taking simple measures. Note: All information on TeensHealth® is for educational purposes only. Symptoms like high fever go away within 10 days while the enlarged liver or spleen usually normalise in 4-6 weeks.
Do this several times a day to relieve a sore throat. Signs of mono usually show up 4 to 6 weeks after you’re infected with the virus.
These medications won’t get rid of the virus, but they can help make you more comfortable: Take these medications only as directed.
I had an active case of mono from November to May, and even now, I still have the same old symptoms. Different kinds of viruses can cause mono.
Viruses cause mono infections. Lower your risk for contracting mono and other viral illnesses with these tips: You can get mono in more ways than just kissing someone. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Because fatigue has numerous possible causes, the diagnostic process can be long and frustrating. Taking care of yourself with rest and at-home remedies can help make you more comfortable. What is Monkeypox & How Long Does it Last? Muscle aches and fatigue may last for two to four weeks. Mono is accompanied by symptoms like high fever, swollen lymph nodes, headache, sore throat, swollen tonsils, enlarged spleen or liver, rashes and severe fatigue. Is it possible to contract EBV more than once?
The early symptoms of mononucleosis are like those of the flu. The more common symptoms are fever, fatigue, and a sore throat. Transmission. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, life. to wash their hands well and often. how long it is contagious. There’s no specific treatment for mono, but you can help ease your symptoms. and Clipart.com. This article may contains scientific references. getting any mono symptoms. An enlarged spleen may take up to eight weeks to go back to normal. A mono rash often appears on the trunk and upper arms. Here's what left brain vs. right brain means…. You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link. If you have infectious mononucleosis, you should not take penicillin antibiotics like ampicillin or amoxicillin. For some people, their liver or spleen or both may remain enlarged even after their fatigue ends. But if that doesn’t work, here are six other hacks to try. Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Possible Causes. Richard N. Fogoros, MD, is a retired professor of medicine and board-certified internal medicine physician and cardiologist. In these individuals, further evaluation may be necessary. Mono may be the sole cause or a contributor of persistent fatigue, but your doctor may also want to consider sleep disorders such as sleep apnea if you're not getting better. Other infections that can cause infectious mononucleosis: There is no vaccine to protect against infectious mononucleosis. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. How long does mono last? If you have these…, Epstein-Barr is one of the most common viruses that affects humans. Some kinds of mono are also transmitted through blood and other bodily fluids. Mono, or mononucleosis, usually the virus to other people.
Symptoms may last for only a few days to two to six weeks. We’ll…, Mono rash is one symptom of the viral infection, mononucleosis. It’s important to rest if you have mono. I would go back to your doctor to see if you still have an active case, and then discuss the posibility of other illnesses such as chronic fatigue syndrome. What is a Stomach Bug & How Long Does it Last? Mono (mononucleosis) is also called infectious mononucleosis. However, these viruses can also spread through blood and semen during sexual contact, blood transfusions, and organ transplantations. How Long Does Mono Last? Then, the virus stays dormant (inactive) in the body for the rest of a person's Drinking enough water can help you burn fat and increase your energy levels. Remember that the end goal is identifying the cause of your fatigue so you can get the right treatment and get your life back on track. Last medically reviewed on August 13, 2019, It can take anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks after exposure for mono symptoms to appear. Participating in contact sports can be strenuous and may cause the spleen to rupture. It’s hard to say exactly how long someone with mono is contagious. This article contains incorrect information. You can help relieve symptoms of infectious mononucleosis by—. To make things even more confusing, some people can carry the virus without ever
However, even after most of these symptoms of mono get resolved, one many continue to feel severely debilitated and fatigued for 3 to 6 months or even longer. EBV is a virus that can cause mono.