How do ppl get mono

If you do get mono symptoms — such as fever, sore throat, and tiredness — call your doctor to find out whether you need an appointment.

If so, your doctor will examine you and may also do a blood test for mono. Other viruses and some bacterial infections — such as strep — may cause similar symptoms. Larger text size Large text size Regular text size. We can only confirm if they were exposed and had the virus in them through a blood test. Many people have the Epstein-Barr virus in their system throughout their lives without any symptoms.

In fact, most people have been exposed to the virus by the time they reach middle age, with the majority acquiring the infection during childhood and severe symptoms more typical during the teen years. Mono is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus EBV , which is a type of herpes virus and one of the most common human viruses.

Other viruses in the herpes family cause cold sores and illnesses like chickenpox. Sometimes the first indication that a person may have mono is a rash that develops after taking the antibiotics amoxicillin or ampicillin. Although the symptoms of mononucleosis are uncomfortable, the infection resolves on its own without long-term effects. Most adults have been exposed to the Epstein-Barr virus and have built up antibodies.

This means they're immune and won't get mononucleosis. The spleen is a small organ usually about the size of your fist. But a number of conditions, including liver disease and some cancers, can cause your spleen to become enlarged. Mononucleosis may cause enlargement of the spleen. In extreme cases, your spleen may rupture, causing sharp, sudden pain in the left side of your upper abdomen.

If such pain occurs, seek medical attention immediately — you may need surgery. The Epstein-Barr virus can cause much more serious illness in people who have impaired immune systems. Mononucleosis is spread through saliva. If you're infected, you can help prevent spreading the virus to others by not kissing them and by not sharing food, dishes, glasses and utensils until several days after your fever has improved — and even longer, if possible.

And remember to wash your hands regularly to prevent spread of the virus. The Epstein-Barr virus may persist in your saliva for months after the infection. EBV is the most common cause of infectious mononucleosis, but other viruses can cause this disease. Typically, these viruses spread most commonly through bodily fluids, especially saliva. However, these viruses can also spread through blood and semen during sexual contact, blood transfusions, and organ transplantations.

There is no vaccine to protect against infectious mononucleosis. You can help protect yourself by not kissing or sharing drinks, food, or personal items, like toothbrushes, with people who have infectious mononucleosis.

If you have infectious mononucleosis, you should not take penicillin antibiotics like ampicillin or amoxicillin. Based on the severity of the symptoms, a healthcare provider may recommend treatment of specific organ systems affected by infectious mononucleosis. Because your spleen may become enlarged as a result of infectious mononucleosis, you should avoid contact sports until you fully recover.