Mononucleosis
How long is Mono Contagious?Mono, short for mononucleosis, is caused by an infection with the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), a herpes virus. As with other herpes viruses, EBV stays in your body for the rest of your life, although it won't cause you to get mono again. However, there are other viruses you can catch that can cause you to have a mono-like illness, too.
Frequently referred to as the "kissing disease" because you can catch it from the saliva of someone who has the virus, mono can also be contracted by sharing a toothbrush, drinking straw, or eating utensil with someone who has the virus. Don't worry about giving your friends or family a quick peck - it takes more than that to catch it.
Once you get the virus, you generally don't have any symptoms for 4-7 weeks. When symptoms begin, you'll probably have a fever, sore throat, sore muscles, headache, and loss of appetite. Two indicators that you may have something more than the flu are being tired all the time and having swollen lymph nodes (glands) in your neck, under your arms, and around your groin. Some people also have an enlarged liver and/or spleen. A blood test, known as the Monospot test, can help your doctor determine whether you have mono.
Although mono can't be cured and needs to run it's course naturally over about 2-4 weeks, there are some things you can do to feel better and help yourself recover. First and foremost, get plenty of rest. Drink lots of liquids, such as water, juice, soup broth, and tea, and eat a well-balanced diet. You can take non-aspirin pain relievers, such as Tylenol or Advil, which will help your headaches and sore muscles while reducing your fever. (Do NOT take products containing aspirin, as they may cause Reye's Syndrome, a serious and sometimes fatal disease.)
Answering the big question - how long are you contagious - is tricky because doctors and researchers aren't exactly sure. You can spread the infection for the entire time you have symptoms and probably for a few months after your symptoms are completely gone. It may be a good idea not to share that soda for about 6 months after you start feeling better. Remember that that might be how you caught mono
