You can’t kiss him until all the active symptoms are gone. There is no specific time frame for that. Symptoms include fever, swollen glands, and a sore throat.
If these have led to a diagnosis of mono, you really must refrain from kissing your boyfriend until he has been cleared by a doctor.
Mono is very contagious and can be easily spread, especially by kissing someone else.
What exactly is mono?
Mono is short for the full word mononucleosis, aka the kissing disease. It is a virus spread via the saliva of an infected person.
Not only can you get it from a passionate kiss, but any item where saliva is present. This includes sharing food utensils, a drinking glass, or lip balm.
Although you will eventually get rid of mono, it is best not to get it in the first place.
Is mononucleosis considered a sexually transmitted disease?
Not in the truest sense of its definition. Most often it is spread via direct contact with infected saliva.
However, most novice healthcare personnel, aka the general public, consider it an STD.
Thinking mono is a sexually transmitted disease is probably the result of the fact that it is commonly linked with passionate kissing.
In reality though, mono is a member of the herpes family. This is the same virus family that causes chickenpox.
Regardless, it is really a good idea to avoid unnecessary exposure to mono.
How contagious is mono?
It is contagious enough to be concerning. It can be spread through direct contact with the saliva of someone already infected.
It is a very unpleasant disease. However, it is less contagious than the common cold or flu. In other words, its bark is worse than its bite.
Symptoms and signs of mononucleosis
Here is a list of common symptoms, but please keep in mind that additional symptoms are possible:
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Swollen tonsils
- Skin rash
- Swollen or soft spleen
The incubation period of mono
In the case of mono, the phrase “incubation period” refers to the amount of time after exposure to it before you start feeling symptoms.
It is typically between four and six weeks. Young children can also get mono. In their case, the incubation period can be shorter than that.
Note: Children are not likely to contract mono by kissing. However, they can get it by sharing food, utensils, or a drinking glass with an infected person.
Does mono go away on its own?
It can, but not always. It can leave you very tired for weeks to months after major symptoms have gone.
Mono is a viral disease and can be eradicated by the body with lots of rest and great self-care. It is important to keep track of how long you have mono.
Long-term bouts of mono can negatively affect the body.
When should you see a doctor?
It is possible for mono to go away on its own accord. However, if it has not after two weeks, you should see your doctor.
He or she will know precisely how to treat it and alleviate it. The doctor will also advise you on how NOT to spread it to other people, including your family.
What happens if mono stays in your system for too long?
Mono can have a detrimental effect on your body. It can result in an enlargement of your spleen or even a rupture in it.
It can also cause liver problems such as jaundice or hepatitis, or worst of all, heart disease. Other less severe issues can happen like anemia or swollen tonsils.
Do yourself a solid favor – see your doctor at the latest after two weeks of symptoms if not sooner than that.
Important facts about mono
The virus that causes it is the Epstein-Barr virus or EBV.
Did you know that it is possible for an infected person to spread mono without ever displaying symptoms?
One way it can be detected is from a thorough examination by your doctor. If you think you have been exposed to mono, make an appointment with him or her ASAP.
More facts about mono
Although medications from your doctor can help treat mono, they will not stop it from being contagious to other people.
If you live in a home with children, you want to be aware of this. In fact, that is a reason to see your doctor sooner rather than waiting for two weeks.
Although it is not fun for anyone to contract mono, it is especially harsh on children. Therefore, take the necessary precautions to avoid spreading this virus to them.
Medical professionals also advise that pregnant women should use caution around someone infected with mono.
What about having sex while infected with mono?
It is unlikely that the actions involved with sex itself would spread mono.
However, typically when two people have intercourse, there is a lot of passionate kissing that goes along with it. That is where the danger lies.
There is another dangerous possibility though that folk should be aware of.
We mentioned earlier that prolonged symptoms of mono can cause a person’s spleen to become enlarged.
If the infected person insists on having sex with an enlarged spleen, there is a high chance it could rupture.
This would result in an immediate need for surgery. Do you really want to risk this? We think not!
For how long of a period is mono contagious?
A person is actually infected with mono for roughly four to six weeks prior to any symptoms manifesting themselves. Then there is the duration of the virus itself.
Depending on how soon you seek a doctor’s care and treatment of mono, this can be several weeks or longer.
Even when symptoms have vanished and stayed gone for a while, the patient can still be contagious.
The period of time for this can be up to a few months afterward.
When you add up all that time it’s easy to see that mono is contagious for a very, very long time.
What is the best way to avoid spreading mono?
One sure-fire way is to keep from contracting it in the first place. Stay far away from a person that has it.
If you do come down with mono, for the sake of other people, isolate yourself for a while.
Think about it! Is it really so urgent to see other people that you are willing to risk getting or spreading this virus?
Can’t it wait until your case of it has run its course? The answer to that is probably yes, it can wait!
Your partner will understand
If you contract mono and need to self-isolate, explain this to your partner.
He or she will understand and appreciate your consideration for their health as well as that of their family.
As we have been stating, mononucleosis is extremely contagious even to young children. It is best to refrain from social activities until cleared by your doctor.
Questions regarding mono?
If you still have questions, the medical professionals that routinely take care of you can likely answer them.
You can also research it online or watch educational videos on YouTube. When it comes to this highly infectious disease, “better safe than sorry” really does apply.
