Mononucleosis (Mono)

During your appointment, your medical provider will conduct a full physical exam and ask you about your medical history. If your symptoms are consistent with mononucleosis, a quick test can be conducted to check for evidence of the virus. The results are typically ready in under 10 minutes. Mononucleosis can only be detected by this test if you’ve had the virus for at least 7 days, but symptoms rarely develop that quickly.

Because other illnesses can present similar symptoms, your medical provider may specify additional testing. This may include a test for the flu, strep throat or other illnesses depending on your symptoms and medical history.

If your test is positive for mono, your health care provider will counsel you on how to manage the virus and your symptoms.

Your mononucleosis treatment plan will include plenty of rest. For most people, symptoms dissipate in 2-4 weeks. Some symptoms, like fatigue, can take longer to resolve. As you begin to feel better, you can gradually return to your normal activities.

Medications are sometimes used to help manage the symptoms of the illness. You may be advised to take ibuprofen or acetaminophen to alleviate your fever, sore throat or other discomforts. A steroid called prednisone may be prescribed if you have trouble breathing or eating due to a severely sore throat.

Because of the risk for a ruptured spleen in people with active mono, you should avoid contact sports until your medical provider advises you that it’s safe to resume those activities.

Mononucleosis is frequently spread through saliva, which is why it’s often called the “kissing disease.” However, kissing isn’t the only way you can catch the virus, which is carried through bodily fluids. It can be spread by sharing food, drink or utensils, through coughing or sneezing, from the spread of mucus from the nose or throat, through contact with blood or semen or sometimes even through tears. In fact, mononucleosis is so common and contagious that most people are infected by the age of 40.

Even after you feel better, the virus that causes mononucleosis remains in your body for life. The virus remains inactive and no longer causes symptoms, but is still able to spread to others, who can get sick. Medical researchers aren’t sure how long mono stays contagious, but some studies show that it can still be transmitted up to 18 months after symptoms have disappeared.

It’s difficult to prevent the spread of mononucleosis, but you can reduce the chance of catching it or passing it on by avoiding sharing food, drinks or cutlery with others.