Mono lasting how long

Learn more. Infectious mononucleosis is characterized by swollen lymph glands, fever, sore throat, and extreme fatigue. Symptoms can take between 4 to 6 weeks to appear and usually do not last beyond 4 months. Transmission is impossible to prevent because even symptom-free people can carry the virus in their saliva.

In the U. This is a very common virus. When children are infected with the virus, they usually do not experience any noticeable symptoms. However, uninfected adolescents and young adults who come in contact with the virus may develop an illness very similar to infectious mononucleosis.

However, even after the symptoms of infectious mononucleosis have disappeared, the EBV will remain dormant in the throat and blood cells during that person's lifetime.

This is called the incubation period. To make things even more confusing, some people can carry the virus without ever getting any mono symptoms. So they may not know they have been infected, but they can still pass it to others. In fact, most people have been infected with EBV by the time they reach adulthood. People are definitely contagious while they have symptoms, which can last 2—4 weeks or even longer.

How is mono spread? How to reduce the risk of transmission. When to see your doctor. Read this next. Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph. What Causes Chlamydia? The Difference Between the Cold and Flu. Medically reviewed by Cameron White, M. Is Mono a Sexually Transmitted Infection? Medically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, D. 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.

That's worth the wait. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Epstein-Barr Virus and Infectious Mononucleosis. May 8, Australian Academy of Science.

Kissing the Epstein-Barr virus goodbye? Updated June 24, Epstein-Barr: Scientists decode secrets of a very common virus that can cause cancer. Published December 15, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Reviewed March 19, Infectious mononucleosis in university students in the United Kingdom: evaluation of the clinical features and consequences of the disease. Clin Infect Dis. Your Privacy Rights.

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