How Do You Get Mono?
The general question people ask is “How do you get mono?” Referencing the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Mono, which is caused by the EBV which is a member of the herpes virus family and it, is a common virus that infects humans all over the world.
The mono virus cannot be spread through blood contact, but it is spread through direct contact with saliva from an infected person especially through the mouth. This is possible through exposure to the virus by a cough, sneeze, kissing infected person for sharing food and drinks with someone infected with the Mono virus. The symptoms begin to develop in about four to eight weeks after initial infection.
In children, Mono might go unrecognized as the symptoms are not readily noticeable and in adolescent and adults, only 35 to 50 percent of people show noticeable symptoms when infected with Mono virus.
The virus called Mono can be regarded by scientist as one of the trickiest virus, as it leaves people confused about its existence and Lifespan on the body. Once Mono is contacted, it remains in the body system of the person, even though you might not be contagious, however, the virus can surface from time to time and the risk of infecting another person is always there.
Mono, which is the short form of Mononucleosis, comes about when infected with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).
People who are infected with Mono can be contagious right from the moment they became infected with the virus, even though they may not be aware at that moment. This is because it takes some time for the symptoms to start manifesting when someone is infected with mono. These symptoms of mono include tiredness, fever, muscle ache, headache or sore throat, which begins about 4 to 7 weeks after being infected, and this period is called incubation period.
Another confusing aspect of Mono is that some people are not aware that they carry the Mono virus because might never experience any of the symptoms associates with Mono.
Mono eventually runs its course when someone gets infected as symptoms may last for 2 to 4 weeks, and some people may experience symptoms several weeks longer and that is why you need to take care of yourself and get enough rest when diagnosing with the virus.
How Long is Mono Contagious?
The length of period that the Mono virus remains contagious even after it has been treated or when symptoms had gone remains unsure to Doctors and researchers. It is believed that people who had been infected with the virus are still capable of spreading the infection even after symptoms have completely disappeared, as some researchers believe it shows for as long as 18 months. Then after a while, the virus will remain dormant or inactive as it stays in the body the rest of the person’s life.
For people that have Mono, the virus does find its way to the saliva, and it can become contagious to others even though the person might not feel any of the symptoms. It is difficult to prevent Mono as you cannot easily detect who has it and the reason why it is advisable to wash hands often, avoid sharing drinks and food with people and keep a clean environment.
Also Read:
- Mono Infection or Pfeiffer’s Disease: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Complications
- Infectious Mononucleosis (Mono) or Glandular Fever or Kissing Disease: Causes, Treatment
- Treatment for Mono Infection or Pfeiffer’s Disease: Alternative Medicine & Treatment,Diet, Prognosis
- A Guide on Early Symptoms of Mono: Signs of Mononucleosis in Adults and Toddlers