Infectious mononucleosis: Difference between revisions

== Causes and Spreading ==

Mononucleosis is caused by the [[Epstein-Barr]] (EBV). A lot of people have been exposed to this virus at one point or another because it is a very common virus. Just because you have been exposed to the EBV virus doesn't mean that you will have the symptoms. Once a person has been infected by this virus they will have it for the rest of their life. Even though the virus will stay with you for the rest of your life you won't show signs of it for the rest of your life. You also could be infected but never show signs and just be a carrier who can spread it around to other people who will show signs. If a person infected by this virus does show signs at one point they will most likely never show them again. Even if the person infected had symptoms months ago, it is still possible for them to spread them. One way to catch mono is by kissing someone who is infected by it, hence the name the "kissing disease". By kissing someone with EBV it puts you at risk to get the virus if you have haven't had it previously. EBV is spread by saliva, so other ways to catch it is by: sharing utensils, a straw, a toothbrush, or any other you can come in contact with a carrier’s saliva. A way to make sure you don't spread this virus to anyone else is by making sure don't share your saliva with anyone in anyway. Wash your hands very frequently and cover your mouth and nose if you sneeze or cough. [http://www.kidshealth.org/teen/infections/common/mononucleosis.html]