How can someone get mono

This means that they can be contagious from time to time over the course of their life, even when they have no symptoms. To diagnose mono, doctors do an exam to check for things like swollen tonsils and an enlarged liver or spleen, common signs of the infection.

Sometimes the doctor will do a blood test. The best treatment for mono is plenty of rest and fluids, especially early in the illness when symptoms are most severe.

For fever and aching muscles, try taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Don't take aspirin unless your doctor tells you to. Aspirin has been linked to a serious disease in kids and teens called Reye syndrome, which can lead to liver failure and death. 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. Your body will tell you when it's time to rest — listen to it. By taking good care of yourself and resting as much as you need to, you will soon be back to normal, usually within a few weeks.

There is no vaccine to protect against the Epstein-Barr virus. But you can help protect yourself by avoiding close contact with anyone who has it. If you have mono, don't share the virus with your friends and family as you recover. Sometimes mono can be confused with the flu or strep throat because the symptoms are so similar, but with mono, the fatigue and other symptoms can go on for weeks or even months before an individual fully recovers.

Once a person is infected with the Epstein-Barr virus there is a lag time, or incubation period, during which the virus is multiplying in the body. This can last for several weeks and the patient can be asymptomatic the entire time though still able to spread the virus to others. People who get symptoms from EBV can expect them to last from two to four weeks, though some can feel fatigued for several weeks or months. Once the virus is in your body, it remains there in an inactive state.

If it reactivates, you can potentially spread it to others regardless of how much time has passed since the initial infection. There is no specific treatment for EBV other than relieving symptoms by staying hydrated, getting lots of rest and taking over-the-counter medications for pain and fever.

There is also no vaccine to protect against EBV infection, but there are ways to decrease your risk of mono, according to Dr. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.

This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Infectious mononucleosis mono is often called the kissing disease.

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Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references AskMayoExpert. Epstein-Barr virus infection. Mayo Clinic; About infectious mononucleosis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed Dec. Sullivan JL. Clinical manifestations and treatment of Epstein-Barr infection.