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Can you get mono twice in a lifetime?
While it is possible to experience mono twice, most people will develop a lifetime immunity, yet the virus will remain inactive in the body. People with compromised immune systems may experience mono twice. Additionally, other infections and conditions may trigger similar symptoms.
Can mono cause problems later in life?
But rarely, mononucleosis symptoms may recur months or even years later. Most cases of mononucleosis are caused by infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Once you’re infected with EBV, you carry the virus — usually in a dormant state — for the rest of your life.
Is it rare to get mono twice?
It’s rare that you’ll actually get mono twice. So, if you’ve already had mono once, and you think you’re getting it again, it’s more likely that you actually have another illness with similar symptoms, such as strep throat or influenza. Mono symptoms usually begin four to six weeks after you’ve been infected with EBV.
How do I know if I have mono again?
You may experience fatigue and swollen lymph nodes for a few more weeks. In some cases, fatigue can last for months. Persistent fatigue may be a sign of chronic EBV infection. See your doctor if your fatigue lasts for more than a month after mono has been diagnosed.
How do you know if you have chronic mono?
What’s the chance of getting mono twice?
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.
Can you have mono for the rest of Your Life?
The symptoms of mono can range from mild to severe. You may not be able to take part in your normal daily activities for several weeks. Many people are exposed to EBV as kids. But that doesn’t always mean you’ll get mono. You can carry the virus in your body for your entire life without ever having symptoms of mono.
Do you always get a fever with mono?
If you’ve never been infected with EBV and you get it, you may start to have symptoms of mono within about 4 to 7 weeks. You could develop a fever, fatigue, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, or other symptoms, like sore muscles and a loss of appetite.
Does mono stay in your system forever?
Health experts aren’t sure how long people with mono stay contagious after symptoms are gone, but it seems they can spread the infection for months after that. Then, the virus stays dormant (inactive) in the body for the rest of a person’s life.
Does mono stay with you for life?
Mono is classified as a herpes virus because once you’ve been infected, the virus stays in your body for the rest of your life. However, you probably won’t get the symptoms of mono more than once. You can get mononucleosis through direct contact with infected saliva.