Roughly 1 in 4 teens and young adults exposed to EBV develop a case of mono.
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What Causes Mono (Mononucleosis)?
On average, it lasts six weeks.
Rebecca Smith / Getty Images
How Is Mono Spread?
The Epstein-Barr virus that causes mono primarily spreads via saliva.
Mono Symptoms
People with mono typically feel very tired orfatigued.
The skin rash associated with mono varies from person to person.
Sometimes, mono rash resembles hives (urticaria) or pinpoint-sized red, brown, or purple spots calledpetechiae.
What Are the Stages of Mono?
Mono is diagnosed by a healthcare provider asking questions about a patient’s symptoms and performing a physical exam.
How Long Does Mono Last?
From start to finish, mono lasts for months.
The prodrome stage of mono, when mild symptoms start to appear, can last three to five days.
Can You Get Mono More Than Once?
Most people only get mono once.
Is Mono Contagious?
Mono is a highly contagious viral disease.
The Epstein-Barr virus that causes mononucleosis is one of the world’s most common and contagious viruses.
That said, mono isn’t as contagious as other viruses that spread more readily through the air.
Do you oughta Quarantine for Mono?
Mononucleosis is nicknamed “the kissing disease” because most teens and young adults catch mono-causing EBV from kissing.
It can also spread when personal items that come in contact with saliva are shared.
Sometimes, people with mono experience an enlarged spleen or so-called mono rash.
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