Can you get mononucleosis at any age?
Mono, or infectious mononucleosis, refers to a group of symptoms usually caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). It typically occurs in teenagers, but you can get it at any age. The virus is spread through saliva, which is why some people refer to it as “the kissing disease.”
Who is most at risk for mono?
You are at increased risk of getting mono if you: Are age 15 to 24, especially if you are in close contact with many people. In Canada, university 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.
Can a 25 year old get mono?
Although mononucleosis can occur at any age, it occurs more often in 15- to 25-year-olds, possibly because of more intimate contacts with others. Contrary to popular belief, mono is not very contagious. Even people in the same household rarely come down with it.
Can a 46 year old get mono?
Adults never exposed to mono as children can suffer a much more severe case of it, with fever and fatigue that can last for several weeks to months. It usually occurs before the age of 25, but older adults also can get and transmit it.
How does a kid get mono?
It can be spread by kissing (this is why some people call it “the kissing disease.”) Children can get mono by sharing things such as cups, straws, toothbrushes or toys that have may have the drool of an infected person on it. Mono can occur at any age.
Can I get mono at age 50?
Young children are often asymptomatic, whereas teenagers and people in their 20s are most likely to get mono. About one in four people in this age group who get EBV come down with mono, but anyone can get it, no matter their age.
Can you get mono at 60 years old?
Only 29 cases of infectious mononucleosis have been reported in adults more than 60 years old. The elderly with infectious mononucleosis had significantly fewer occurrences of pharyngitis, lymphadenopathy, and splenomegaly when compared with young adults.
What can trigger mono?
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is the most common cause of infectious mononucleosis, but other viruses can also cause this disease. It is common among teenagers and young adults, especially college students.
When do older people get mono what causes it?
Mono is usually caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which is an extremely common virus. Most people will become infected with EBV sometime during their lives, but won’t ever have any symptoms. Up to 90 percent of American adults will have developed antibodies to the virus by the time they are 40. When older people get mono,…
Can a person with no symptoms get mono?
Even in a person with no symptoms, the virus can be active or reactivated at a later date. When it is active, symptoms may or may not appear, and the virus can be passed on to another person. This person may develop symptoms of mono.
Can a person get mononucleosis more than once?
Most people who have infectious mononucleosis, or mono, get it only once. Rarely, however, 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.
How long do mono symptoms last after infection?
How Long Do Symptoms Last? Signs of mono usually show up 4 to 6 weeks after you’re infected with the virus. Most people feel better after 2 to 4 weeks, but they may be tired for several weeks after that. Symptoms can sometimes last 6 months or more.