Mono how long does it last

This is called the incubation period. To make things even more confusing, some people can carry the virus without ever getting any mono symptoms. So they may not know they have been infected, but they can still pass it to others.

In fact, most people have been infected with EBV by the time they reach adulthood. People are definitely contagious while they have symptoms, which can last 2—4 weeks or even longer. Health experts aren't sure how long people with mono stay contagious after symptoms are gone, but it seems they can spread the infection for months after that.

Then, the virus stays dormant inactive in the body for the rest of a person's life. Working out, lifting something heavy, or other strenuous activity can cause the spleen to burst. Call or go to an emergency room if you feel a sudden, sharp pain in your left, upper side.

It may a sign of a ruptured spleen. This complication of mono is rare, but it can happen. Taking care of yourself with rest and at-home remedies can help make you more comfortable. Drink plenty of water, fruit juice, herbal tea, soup, and broth. Fluids help bring down a fever and soothe a sore throat. Drink as much as you can to raise your energy levels and prevent dehydration.

Use OTC pain relievers to help bring down a fever and ease headaches and muscle aches. Take these medications only as directed. Taking too much can be harmful. You can also take OTC cold and flu medications that contain pain relievers, such as:. Throat gargles can help soothe a sore throat. Gargle with these home remedies several times a day:.

Cool a fever with wet towel compresses, a cool bath, or a cold foot bath. Also try eating something cold, like ice cream or a popsicle. Stay home from work or school. Cancel your appointments. Resting helps your body recover and prevent any complications.

Not going out also helps prevent transmitting the virus to others. Eat healthy whole foods to help your immune system fight the mono virus. If you contract the mono virus, you may not have any symptoms at all for four to six weeks. Symptoms may last for only a few days to two to six weeks. Here are some common symptoms and their usual duration:. Mono may make you feel unwell for up to two months. Rare complications of mono, like an injured or ruptured spleen , can take up to three months to heal.

You may need other treatment for a ruptured spleen. Lower your risk for contracting mono and other viral illnesses with these tips:. You can get mono in more ways than just kissing someone. You may not be able to prevent getting this viral illness. The most common symptoms of mono are:. These symptoms usually get better in about 1 or 2 months. You can get a rash if you take the antibiotics amoxicillin or ampicillin when you have mono. These antibiotics are often prescribed for other causes of sore throat, such as strep throat, and might be prescribed for you before the doctor knows you have mono.

The rash is not an allergic reaction. Mono may cause your spleen to swell to 2 or 3 times its normal size. An enlarged spleen occurs in up to 75 out of people who have mono. To reduce this risk, avoid heavy lifting and contact sports for several weeks after you become ill with mono or until your doctor says it is safe. In very rare cases, the spleen may rupture on its own. Symptoms of mono can be more severe and last longer in people who have an impaired immune system or a rare genetic condition called X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome.

The symptoms of infectious mononucleosis, such as a sore throat and fever, also are found in many other conditions. Usually mono is a mild illness that goes away without treatment after several weeks. When you have mono, your symptoms may come and go, and your symptoms may change with time. Mono can cause your spleen to enlarge, making it prone to injury. To reduce the risk of injuring your spleen, avoid heavy lifting and contact sports for several weeks after you become ill with mono or until a doctor tells you it is okay.

If you know you have mono, you should not donate blood. Epstein-Barr virus EBV can be spread through blood products, although this is not common. Complications of mono are rare but are most likely to develop in very young children, older adults who are in poor health, and people who have impaired immune systems. You are at increased risk of getting mono if you:.

After you have been infected with EBV, the virus may stay in your body for the rest of your life. But you will not get mono again. EBV is not spread through the air. You can live with a person who has mono and never become infected with the virus. Most people have been infected with EBV before, so they usually don't get mono when they are exposed to a person who has it. If you have been diagnosed with mono, seek care now if:. If you have not been diagnosed with mono and you have:.

Most cases of mono don't need treatment. But you still need to take care of yourself until the illness goes away. A medical history and physical exam are the most important ways a doctor can diagnose mono. During the medical history and physical exam, your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms and possible exposure to the disease. Your doctor will also examine you for signs of the infection.

This may include looking at your throat, checking your skin, and pressing on your abdomen. Blood tests to help confirm the diagnosis include:. Other tests may be done if complications of mono occur or if the mononucleosis tests are negative. Usually no treatment for mono is needed other than self-care at home. Most people recover from mono after several weeks.

But for some, it may take several months before they regain their normal energy levels. In severe cases, corticosteroids may be used to reduce swelling of the throat, tonsils, or spleen. This type of steroid use may also decrease the overall length and severity of illness from infectious mono.

For more information, see Home Treatment. The virus that causes mono Epstein-Barr virus isn't spread as easily as most people think. If you follow these tips, you can reduce the chance of spreading or catching mono. Self-care is usually all that is needed if you have mono. Unless you have a serious complication of mono which rarely occurs , no medicine or treatment will speed your recovery. Most people who have mono recover without problems.

There are many steps you can take to ease the symptoms until you are back to normal. Your symptoms will gradually improve over 2 to 3 weeks. You should be able to return to your normal activities within about a month. Let your symptoms be your guide. You may need to adjust your school and work schedule to take advantage of times when you feel more energetic. If you feel better, try to get back to your routine sooner. But remember not to push yourself. There are no specific medicines used to treat mono.

Over-the-counter medicines may be used to help treat the symptoms of mono. Over-the-counter pain relievers, including acetaminophen such as Tylenol and ibuprofen such as Advil , may be used to relieve headaches and a sore throat. Do not give aspirin to anyone under the age of 20, because its use has been linked with Reye syndrome , a serious illness.

Taking antibiotics such as amoxicillin or ampicillin may cause a rash in many people who have mono. A rash caused by antibiotics can often be a first sign that the person has mono. Antiviral drugs do not improve the symptoms of mono or shorten the length of the illness.

Nonprescription medicines are commonly used to relieve symptoms, but they do not shorten the duration of the illness. There is no surgical treatment for mono. Emergency surgery may be needed to remove a ruptured spleen if this complication occurs.

Author: Healthwise Staff. Medical Review: E. Rhoads MD - Internal Medicine. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.

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