Its usually resulting from the extremely widespreadEpstein-Barr virus (EBV).
(1,2)
In most cases, people recover from a bout of mono without any long-term effects.
Usually medications will not help speed recovery, though some painkillers may ease symptoms.
Or they may not have any symptoms at all.
When you reach adulthood without having had that infection, youll be hit harder.
Causes and Risk Factors of Mononucleosis
Mono is a contagious illness thats caused primarily by EBV.
(2,3)
The virus can also be transmitted through sexual contact or, rarely, through blood transfusions.
(2,6)
Its not known exactly how long someone can be contagious after they get the virus.
The exact length of time that someone with EBV is contagious can vary, however.
Most people get the virus from someone whos completely asymptomatic.
(1,2)
But thats no reason to panic and avoid contact with anyone and everyone.
(1,5,6) But not everyone who gets EBV will develop symptoms.
Only 1 in 4 people who are infected with the virus go on to develop mono.
Patients with AIDS and others with weak immune systems are at risk of reactivation of EBV and mono symptoms.
Rarely, some patients will have a recurrence of mono symptoms months or years later.
In most cases, doctors are able to diagnose mono based upon a medical history and physical examination.
Most people get back to normal after about four weeks, he says.
Steroids typically reduce immune system function, says Johannsen.
A ruptured spleen is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment to avoid serious complications, including death.
So you oughta be cautious.
How Many People Have Mononucleosis?
Most cases occur in teens and young adults.
(6,17)
The same holds true for the United States.
Mono is most common among teenagers and young adults.
She is board-certified in both internal medicine and infectious diseases.
She also teaches medical trainees and lectures medical students at the Emory University School of Medicine.
Katherine Lee is a writer and editor who specializes in health, science, and parenting content.
She has written for Verywell, where she covered school-age parenting, and worked as an editor atParentingandWorking Mothermagazines.
