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Dear Doc,
I started dating a girl who confessed to having mono. She also informed me that all her previous boyfriends have had it as well. Does this put me at a higher risk? Also, how common is mono these days, I haven't heard much talk about it since junior high.
Thanks,
Steve
Steve,
Mononucleosis “mono” is a viral illness (Epstein-Barr Virus or EBV) that is commonly found in those aged 16-20. The virus is typically self-limiting, with acute symptoms lasting 4 to 8 weeks. However, a carrier could actually spread the viruses for up to 18 months, and in some cases indefinitely.
Mono is spread through salvia and (or) blood. Deep kissing is often credited as the cause. Even with the life span of a carrier being so long, mono is far from reaching epidemic proportions.
It is common to find traces of the Epstein-Barr virus in adults who have never claimed to have the sickness. What many thought was a cold or flu was in fact a low-grade case of mono.
After having mono, you can become an asymptomatic carrier, thereby putting others at risk despite your lack of symptoms. If your girlfriend had mono years ago - chances are you are fine. There is a slim chance she could be a carrier but I wouldn’t lose sleep over it. If you do start to show symptoms – a sore throat, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, schedule a visit with your physician. But in the mean time, enjoy each other!
Live Well
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