The mono virus

This includes eating lots of fruit and vegetables and wholegrains. Aim to eat good quality protein with every meal to give your immune system a further boost. This includes chicken, turkey, fish, nuts, seeds and legumes. Glandular fever is spread through spit, so you can get it through kissing or by sharing cups or cutlery. You can go back to school or work as soon as you start to feel better. It takes 4 to 6 weeks from the time of infection for glandular fever to develop.

Symptoms can come on gradually, and at first there may be just tiredness and lack of energy. The virus remains in the body for life, lying dormant in throat and blood cells. The antibodies provide lifelong immunity, and glandular fever rarely comes back a second time. Sometimes, however, the virus becomes active again.

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.

Mononucleosis may cause enlargement of the spleen. In extreme cases, your spleen may rupture, causing sharp, sudden pain in the left side of your upper abdomen. If such pain occurs, seek medical attention immediately — you may need surgery.

The Epstein-Barr virus can cause much more serious illness in people who have impaired immune systems. Mononucleosis is spread through saliva. If you're infected, you can help prevent spreading the virus to others by not kissing them and by not sharing food, dishes, glasses and utensils until several days after your fever has improved — and even longer, if possible.

And remember to wash your hands regularly to prevent spread of the virus. The Epstein-Barr virus may persist in your saliva for months after the infection. No vaccine exists to prevent mononucleosis. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press.

This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Infectious mononucleosis mono is often called the kissing disease. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Enlarged spleen Open pop-up dialog box Close. Enlarged spleen The spleen is a small organ usually about the size of your fist. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only.

This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. See more conditions. Request Appointment. Mononucleosis: Can it recur? Products and services. Can mononucleosis recur? I thought that once you got mono you couldn't get it again. Thank you for subscribing Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information.

Sorry something went wrong with your subscription Please, try again in a couple of minutes Retry. Show references AskMayoExpert. Epstein-Barr virus infection. Mayo Clinic; Sullivan JL. Clinical manifestations and treatment of Epstein-Barr infection. Accessed Dec.