It’s not uncommon for teens and young adults to get mono. In fact, it’s not uncommon for anyone to get mono, as studies show that around 90% of Americans will get it by age 35, although not everyone will experience symptoms.
So, how contagious is this virus, and how does it spread? Our AFC Urgent Care Chapman Highway team provides some helpful answers below, so keep reading!
What Is Mononucleosis?
Mononucleosis, or “mono,” as its most commonly known, is an infectious illness most commonly caused by the Epsein-Barr virus (EBV). Because it is easily transferred by bodily fluids such as saliva, mono is known as “the kissing disease.”
Mono isn’t a life-threatening infection for most people, and it normally goes away on its own. Even so, for up to a month, which is how long mono normally lasts, acute exhaustion, body aches and other symptoms can make everyday tasks difficult. The most common symptoms of mono are mentioned below.
Common Mono Symptoms
- Fatigue
- Sore throat, perhaps misdiagnosed as strep throat, that doesn’t get better after treatment with antibiotics
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck and armpits
- Swollen tonsils
- Headache
- Skin rash
How Contagious Is Mono?
As we mentioned earlier, the viruses that cause mono affect nearly 90% of people by the time they turn 35, which makes mono a very contagious illness.
It’s true that mono spreads most commonly through kissing and sharing of saliva and personal items, but it can spread through things like blood transfusions, coughing or sneezing and sexual contact, as well. To prevent mono, stick to the suggestions that we’ve listed below.
Ways to Prevent Mono
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle, since a healthy individual is better prepared to ward off any virus when exposed.
- Eat a nutritional diet and get adequate sleep, which is between seven and nine hours each night.
- Exercise for at least 150 minutes each week, which keeps the body fit and less likely to catch any viral illnesses.
We’re here for you seven days a week! Don’t hesitate to visit our AFC Urgent Care Chapman Highwayteam to get the top-quality general medical care you deserve.
