Herpes Doctor

Mononucleosis is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus which is a
Herpes Virus. It is spread via saliva and it mostly contagious in
the incubation period of Mononucleosis which lasts from 10 to 60
days and has no symptoms.

Because the Epstein-Barr virus is mostly contagious in a period
of no symptoms, it is difficult avoid catching it. You simply
don't know if you've been in contact with someone who is about to
have Mononucleosis. The spreading via saliva means that the Epstein-
Barr virus is caught from kissing (incl pecks on the cheek), sneezing,
sharing food, drink or similar, every day activities that are more
difficult to avoid than you would think.

Mononucleosis is mostly seen in teenagers. That is not to say
that it is an illness specific to teenagers, in principle anyone
can get it, but teenagers get the worst symptoms. Children and babies
get Mononucleosis too, but the symptoms are mild and flu like
and are often not recognized as Mononucleosis. The teenagers that don't
get Mononucleosis probably had it in childhood. 90% of all adults have
had Mononucleosis as children or teenagers.

Once you've had Mononucleosis, you don't get it again. The Epstein-
Barr virus stays in your body along with the antibodies your body
produced to fight Mononucleosis. Epstein-Barr is not very contagious
after Mononucleosis.

If you want to avoid catching Mononucleosis, you should follow
general hygiene guide lines:

• Wash your hands regularily
• Make sure people don't sneeze on you
• Avoid kissing (easier said than done)

Sometimes there are epidemics of Mononucleosis on schools with
teenagers and there is not much you can do to avoid catching it if
you haven't already had it. Luckily, Mononucleosis rarely has
complications.

See a doctor if you suspect you have Mononucleosis. The symptoms
are flu like combined with feeling very tired and having no appetite.
Your doctor might take a bloodtest for diagnosis and advice plenty of
rest and sleep. There is no cure for Mononucleosis.

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