Is it possible to have mono twice?
Most of the time, a person will have mononucleosis once. However, it is possible to experience mono twice. Since the body develops immunity to the virus after contracting the infection, most people do not experience mono twice. However, in some cases, symptoms can reoccur months after acquiring the initial infection.
What are the chances of getting mono again?
However, at least 25% of young people who get infected with EBV will develop symptoms of mono, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). But there’s some good news — if you get mono, it’s almost impossible to get it again.
What causes mono flare ups?
What causes mono flare ups? Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) causes mono infections and remains in your body for your whole life. EBV is actually a member of the herpes virus family — EBV is also called human herpesvirus 4.
Will you always test positive for mono?
A small number of people with mononucleosis may never have a positive test. The highest number of antibodies occurs 2 to 5 weeks after mono begins. They may be present for up to 1 year. In rare cases, the test is positive even though you do not have mono.
Is mono an STD?
In cases where it is passed through sexual contact, mono can be considered a sexually transmitted disease (STD), although mono is more often spread through contact with saliva. EBV is a member of the herpes virus family, along with the viruses that cause herpes and chickenpox.
Can mono be confused with anything else?
Mononucleosis is frequently mistaken for other illnesses, such as strep throat, chronic fatigue, or another infection, because the symptoms can overlap, Ramilo says.
Do you have mono forever?
If you get mono, the virus stays in your body for life. That doesn’t mean that you’re always contagious . But the virus can surface from time to time and risk infecting someone else.