A-Z Health Guide from WebMD: Health Topics
Infectious Mononucleosis
Topic Overview
What is infectious mononucleosis?
Infectious mononucleosis (commonly called "mono") is a
viral illness usually caused by the
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Mono most commonly develops
in young adults between the ages of 15 and 24.1 The
virus can be spread through contact with saliva, mucus (from the nose and
throat), and sometimes tears. Rarely, EBV is spread through blood transfusions.
Because the virus can be spread through saliva, mono is sometimes called the
kissing disease.
Once you have been infected with EBV, your body may periodically
shed (or give off) the virus throughout your lifetime, possibly spreading the
virus to others.2 This can occur despite the fact that
you do not have symptoms after your initial mono infection; the virus may still
be found in your saliva many months after you have recovered from your
symptoms. Some newly infected people may not have any symptoms of mono and may
not be aware they are spreading the virus that causes mono.
| Infectious Mononucleosis: Topic Overview |
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Last updated: January 24, 2006
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This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor.
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