Health guides > Mononucleosis > Can You Get Mono Without Kissing

...

Can You Get Mono Without Kissing?

By Terez Malka, MD

Medically reviewed

April 20, 2022

Mononucleosis is a common infection usually caused by the Epstein-Barr virus.

It can cause extreme fatigue, sore throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and body aches.

It usually affects teens and young adults; however, any age group can get it.

Mono is rarely serious, but extreme fatigue can interfere with normal activities, and the infection can cause serious complications in limited cases.

Read on to learn more about mono and its symptoms, testing, and treatment.

We will also go over how it is transmitted and when it is time to see a doctor or healthcare provider.

What Is Mono?

Infectious mononucleosis, also called mono or “the kissing disease,” is an infection from a virus.

Several viruses can cause a mono infection, but the Epstein-Barr virus is the most common cause.

The most susceptible age groups are teens and college students.

At least one in four teens or college students exposed to Epstein-Barr will develop mono.

Young children and older adults exposed to this virus often just get a mild cold or flu-like illness.

Once you have had mono, the virus never leaves your body.

It stays dormant in your throat and blood cells, but it does not cause ongoing symptoms most of the time.

After you recover from the infection, you will typically never get the active infection again.

Symptoms

If you are exposed to mono, symptoms take an average of three to six weeks to appear.

They usually last from a week to a few months, although a person may occasionally have symptoms for six months or longer.

The most common symptoms include:

Fever
Extreme fatigue
Swollen lymph glands in your neck, armpits, and groin
Sore throat
Head and body aches

Less common symptoms include:

Swollen spleen
Swollen liver
Rash

The symptoms of mono are similar to other medical conditions, so it’s important to talk with your healthcare provider for the diagnosis.

Testing

If you think you have mono, your healthcare provider will want to go over your symptoms and perform a physical exam.

Your provider may also want to have some blood drawn for lab testing.

There is a rapid test for mono called a monospot or heterophile antibody test.

Your white blood cell count can also help make this diagnosis, and your provider may want to order some lab work to rule out other infections, like strep throat.

The mono test can be falsely negative within the first week of symptoms, so your provider may recommend a repeat test in one week.

Treatment

There is no specific medication or vaccine for mono.

Treatment focuses on helping you feel better while your immune system fights the virus, including:

Letting your body get plenty of rest
Drinking fluids to stay hydrated
Taking over-the-counter medication (e.g., Tylenol or Ibuprofen) to control your pain and fever

Because your spleen may swell while you have mono, avoid contact sports or any activity where you may fall or hit your stomach until you recover.

Avoid taking antibiotics while you have mono, as these will not help and can cause a rash.

Talk to a doctor from home.

Start my visit

Can You Get Mono Without Kissing?

The viruses that cause mono are very contagious.

Most Americans by the age of 40 have the virus, whether or not they have had symptoms of mono.

Mono has the nickname “the kissing disease” because it can be transmitted by saliva.

However, kissing is not the only way mono and the viruses that cause it are spread.

Other ways of contracting mono without kissing

The mono virus is transferred through bodily fluids.

Sharing food, drinks, and utensils, close direct contact, or sexual contact can all spread the virus.

Avoiding the virus is difficult because of how widespread it is, but many people never get symptoms of mono even when they are exposed.

Practice good hygiene and do not share food, drinks, or utensils with others. If anyone is showing signs of being sick, keep your distance.

Wash your hands and avoid touching your mouth and face to help you stay healthy.

Talk to a doctor from home.

Start my visit

When to See a Medical Provider

Be sure to call your doctor right away if you experience:

Trouble breathing or swallowing
Dizziness or fainting
Extreme weakness in your arms or legs
Severe headache
Sharp or severe pain in your abdomen

How K Health Can Help

Did you know you can access online urgent care with K Health?

Check your symptoms, explore conditions and treatments, and if needed, text with a healthcare provider in minutes.

K Health’s AI-powered app is based on 20 years of clinical data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you just randomly get mono?

The viruses that cause mono are common and highly contagious. You may get mono without knowing where you got it from. Some people carry the virus and have no symptoms but can infect others. To stay healthy, do not share drinks, utensils, or food with others, especially if they are not feeling well.

Is mono only caused by kissing?

No. Mono is also passed through any bodily fluid (including blood and semen), blood transfusions, and organ transplants. It can be spread through sharing food, drinks, or utensils or touching your eyes or mouth after you’ve touched something containing the virus.

Can you get mono without being around someone?

No. The only way you get mono is if you encounter the bodily fluids of someone who carries the virus.

K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.

K Health has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references.

Terez Malka, MD

Dr. Terez Malka is a board-certified pediatrician and emergency medicine physician.

Can You Die From Mono (Mononucleosis)?

Infectious mononucleosis, also known as mono, is a contagious viral disease. Because of its prevalence in teenagers and young adults, it’s also sometimes called “the kissing disease.” The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is the most common cause of mononucleosis. Although most people get infected with EBV in their lifetime, not everyone develops symptoms of mono. When […]

Can You Get Mono Twice? Here’s What You Need to Know

Infectious mononucleosis, also called mono, is a common and contagious illness spread by the virus, Epstein-Barr. You can catch mono through the saliva of a person that is infected with mono (even if they have no symptoms). When you are sick with mono, treatment is focused on helping you feel more comfortable as there is […]

Chronic Mono: Causes, Treatments, and More

Infectious mononucleosis is also called mono or the kissing disease because it’s mainly shared through saliva. Mono is an infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Its symptoms include fever, fatigue, sore throat, body aches, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck. The sickness typically lasts about four weeks. However, the fatigue may last up […]

What Are The Stages Of Mono?

Infectious mononucleosis, or mono, is a contagious disease that many people contract at some point in their life. Mono usually comes in three phases, and each one can impact individuals differently. If you have recently been diagnosed with mono or suspect that you might have caught it from someone, then determining which stage of mono […]

Everything You Need To Know About the Mono (Mononucleosis) Blood Test

Mononucleosis (mono) is a common and generally mild viral disease, usually caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. Over 90% of adults have been infected at some point and will display antibodies to the virus upon testing. Many people infected with mono never have symptoms, and those who do experience generalized symptoms fatigue, fever, sore throat, and […]

Is Mono Contagious?

Mono, or mononucleosis, is a very common—and contagious—virus. Many people wonder just how contagious it really is, though—and for how long an infected person remains contagious and able to spread the disease. While mono is generally not as serious as other, more prevalent ailments like influenza or the common cold, some people do suffer from […]

How To Get Rid Of Mono: Symptoms and Treatment

Mono or Mononucleosis is a group of symptoms that affect some people, most commonly after infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Mono is also known as glandular fever. Many people experience an infection with EBV at some point in their lives. Many do not develop symptoms of mono, but they become carriers. There is so […]

What Is Epstein Barr Virus (EBV)? Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is one of the most common human viruses in the world. Most people contract it in early childhood and young adulthood; however, anyone can get the virus, at any age and from anyone. While you may not be familiar with EBV specifically, you likely know one about an illness it causes: […]