Herpes Doctor

No, Mononucleois is not a sexually transmitted disease.

Mononucleosis is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus which is a
Herpes virus. Mononucleosis is also known as 'the kissing disease'.
These are reasons that some might think that Mononucleosis is
a sexually transmitted disease.

The Epstein-Bar virus is spread via saliva which means
acivities including kissing (incl peck on the cheek), sneezing
and sharing food or drink.

Contrary to popular belief, Mononucleosis is not a teenage-
specific disease, it's just that when teenagers have it the
symptoms are very pronounced. In fact, about half of all
cases of Mononucleosis are children. When children get
Mononucleosis, the symptoms are very weak and flu like which
means that it is rarely diagnosed correctly. Most parents
don't realize what their child has because Mononucleosis
in children is so similar to the flu. The other half of
all cases of Mononucleosis are teenagers. Adults rarely get
Mononucleosis and about 90% of all people will have had
Mononucleosis once they are past the teen years.

There is no cure for Mononucleosis, but the body will fight
it and you will recover completely although it can be a very
lengthy illness of weeks or months.. There are very rarely
any complications of Mononucleosis. It is important to get it
diagnosed and follow your doctor's advice which will be plenty
of rest, sleep and liquids. Your spleen and liver will expand
during Mononucleosis and to avoid any damage to these vital parts
it is important to avoid alcohol, exercise and heavy lifting for
a few weeks or months after Mononucleosis depending on the
severity.

The Epstein-Barr virus will stay in your body after Mononucleosis
along with the antibodies your body produced to fight it. You
will not get Mononucleosis again and the risk of spreading after
Mononucleosis is very low. Mononucleosis is mostly contagious
in the incubation period which is without symptoms and lasts from
10 to 60 days.

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