Technically, yes, mono can be considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI). But that’s not to say that all cases of mono are STIs. Mono, or infectious mononucleosis as you might hear your doctor call it, is a contagious disease caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).
Likewise, can mono be transmitted through kissing?
The virus that causes mono (Epstein-Barr virus) is spread through saliva. You can get it through kissing, but you can also be exposed by sharing a glass or food utensils with someone who has mono. However, mononucleosis isn’t as contagious as some infections, such as the common cold.
Correspondingly, did I get mono from my boyfriend?
The virus lives in the spit of someone who has mono. So you can catch it from kissing them, or sharing cups, spoons, and other items. Mono doesn’t spread as easily as the common cold, but you could get it through a cough or sneeze if you’re nearby. Other bodily fluids, like blood and semen, may also pass it on.
Does mono ever go away?
Mononucleosis, also called “mono,” is a common illness that can leave you feeling tired and weak for weeks or months. Mono goes away on its own, but lots of rest and good self-care can help you feel better.
Does mono mean cheating?
Heck, if your girlfriend had mono in the past, it’s theoretically possible that you caught it from kissing her. What it comes down to is that it’s impossible to say exactly where or from whom you got the infection, but you can reassure your girlfriend that your having mono is not definitive proof of infidelity.
How did I get mono without kissing?
While the most common way for the virus to spread is, indeed, through saliva, you don’t have to kiss someone with an active strain of it in order to contract it. It can also be transmitted by activities like sharing drinks and using another person’s utensils, or through blood and other bodily fluids.
How long after kissing Can you get mono?
Mono is a highly contagious illness, which means you can spread it easily to others. Mono can be contagious for 4 to 6 weeks before symptoms appear — this is the incubation period of the virus, or how long it takes between infection and symptoms.
How serious is mono?
For most people, mono isn’t serious, and it improves without treatment. Still, extreme fatigue, body aches and other symptoms can interfere with school, work and daily life. With mono, you might feel sick for about a month.
What are the three stages of mono?
Mono has three stages: a prodrome, an acute stage, and a convelescent (recovery) stage. Because mono has a long incubation period, it can be difficult to determine when the illness actually began. On average, the prodrome phase lasts three to five days, while the acute phase can last up to six weeks.
Why do you get mono from kissing?
That’s because the virus is carried in saliva (spit). It can spread through any contact with saliva — even from sharing forks, spoons, drinking straws, cups, or lip balm and lipstick. If you kissed or shared a drink with someone who has mono, it doesn’t mean you will get it.