Infectious Mononucleosis

What Increases Your Risk

Mono is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). You are at increased risk of getting mono if you:

• Are between the ages of 10 and 24, especially if you are in close contact with many people. In the United States, college students, nurses, and people in the military are most likely to get mono.
• Have intimate contact with a person who has mono or an active EBV infection. (A brief kiss on the lips is not likely to spread EBV. It is spread when saliva from an infected person gets into another person's mouth.)
• Share drinking glasses, eating utensils, dishes, or a toothbrush with an infected person. A person does not have to have symptoms of mono to spread EBV.

After you have been infected with EBV, the virus may stay in your body for the rest of your life, but you will not get mono again.

EBV is not spread through the air. You can live with a person who has mono and never become infected with the virus.

Most people have been infected with EBV before, so they usually don't get mono when exposed to a person who has it.

Go to previous section	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Debby Golonka, MPH	Last Updated: September 19, 2007
Medical Review:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics W. David Colby IV, MSc, MD, FRCPC - Infectious Disease
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.