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What is the common name for infectious mononucleosis?

Author

Christopher Duran

Updated on March 06, 2026

What is the common name for infectious mononucleosis?

Infectious mononucleosis, also called “mono,†is a contagious disease. 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.

Simply so, what is another name for infectious mononucleosis?

Infectious mononucleosis, also called “mono,†is a contagious disease. 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.

Additionally, what is the medical term mono? Infectious mononucleosis, or "mono", is an infection usually caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. The virus spreads through saliva, which is why it's sometimes called "kissing disease." Mono occurs most often in teens and young adults.

Accordingly, why is it called infectious mononucleosis?

Infectious mononucleosis was the name coined by Sprunt and Evans (Sprunt 1920) to describe a syndrome that resembled an acute infectious disease accompanied by atypical large peripheral blood lymphocytes.

What are the two types of mononucleosis?

Ninety percent of cases of infectious mononucleosis are caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. Two major strains of EBV exist; EBV type-1 and EBV type-2. They differ biologically and in their geographic distribution, but cause the same clinical symptoms.

Is infectious mononucleosis a virus or bacteria?

Infectious mononucleosis, also called “mono,” is a contagious disease. 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.

How long is a person contagious with mono?

People are definitely contagious while they have symptoms, which can last 2–4 weeks or even longer. 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.

Is mono very contagious?

Viruses that cause mono are very contagious. You can pick them up through contact with an infected person's bodily fluids, including saliva.

Is mono and Epstein-Barr the same?

Epstein-Barr is the virus that causes mononucleosis. You might know this disease better by its nickname, "mono." It's also called the "kissing disease" because of one way you can spread it to someone else. Even though Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) isn't a household name, you've probably been infected without knowing it.

What is the difference between mono and infectious mono?

Infectious mononucleosis is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). A variant of mononucleosis that is milder than EBV infectious mononucleosis is caused by the cytomegalovirus (CMV).

What viruses can cause mononucleosis?

Infectious mononucleosis, also called “mono,†is a contagious disease. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is the most common cause of infectious mononucleosis, but other viruses can also cause this disease.

Transmission

  • Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
  • Toxoplasmosis.
  • HIV.
  • Rubella.
  • Hepatitis A, B, or C.
  • Adenovirus.

What kills Epstein-Barr virus?

Ascorbic Acid Kills Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) Positive Burkitt Lymphoma Cells and EBV Transformed B-Cells in Vitro, but not in Vivo.

Is mono an STD?

Technically, yes, mono can be considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI). But that's not to say that all cases of mono are STIs. Mono, or infectious mononucleosis as you might hear your doctor call it, is a contagious disease caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). EBV is a member of the herpesvirus family.

What triggers Epstein-Barr virus?

Some triggers include stress, a weakened immune system, taking immunosuppressants, or hormonal changes such as menopause. When EBV reactivates within your body, you will probably not have any symptoms.

How serious is Epstein Barr virus?

If a teenager or adult is infected, they may experience symptoms like fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, and fever. In very rare cases, EBV can cause a chronic infection, which can be fatal if left untreated. EBV has also been linked with a variety of conditions, including cancers and autoimmune disorders.

Does mono go away on its own?

Mononucleosis, also called "mono," is a common illness that can leave you feeling tired and weak for weeks or months. Mono goes away on its own, but lots of rest and good self-care can help you feel better.

Does Epstein Barr ever go away?

EBV never truly goes away. Even if the symptoms subside, the virus will remain inactive inside your body until it is reactivated by a trigger. Some triggers include stress, a weakened immune system, taking immunosuppressants, or hormonal changes such as menopause.

Can mono cause permanent liver damage?

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a DNA virus associated with infectious mononucleosis (IM) in children and young adults. It may cause moderate and transitory increase of liver enzymes; however, in rare cases, severe liver injury and even fatal ALF may occur [4].

How did I get mono without kissing?

While the most common way for the virus to spread is, indeed, through saliva, you don't have to kiss someone with an active strain of it in order to contract it. It can also be transmitted by activities like sharing drinks and using another person's utensils, or through blood and other bodily fluids.

Can you get mono from stress?

EBV is a viral illness in the same family as herpes and varicella (chickenpox). Like those other members of the herpes virus family, the virus can stick around in your body, Hymes explained. However, the virus is dormant and only very rarely reactivates, usually in times of stress.

Does mono weaken your immune system?

Hematological System

EBV infection can affect a person's blood and bone marrow. The virus can cause the body to produce an excessive number of white blood cells called lymphocytes (lymphocytosis). EBV can also weaken the immune system, making it more difficult for the body to fight infection.

Does mono weaken your immune system forever?

Mononucleosis/EBV remains dormant in your body's immune system cells for life, but your body's immune system will remember it and protect you from getting it again. The infection is inactive, but it is possible to reactivate without symptoms and in turn, can be spread to others, though this is quite rare.

How do you prevent mono from spreading?

Prevention. Mononucleosis is spread through saliva. If you're infected, you can help prevent spreading the virus to others by not kissing them and by not sharing food, dishes, glasses and utensils until several days after your fever has improved — and even longer, if possible.

What causes mono flare ups?

What causes mono flare ups? Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) causes mono infections and remains in your body for your whole life. EBV is actually a member of the herpes virus family — EBV is also called human herpesvirus 4.

What happens if you have mono?

What are the symptoms? The most common symptoms of mono are a high fever, a severe sore throat, swollen lymph nodes (sometimes called swollen glands) and tonsils, and weakness and fatigue. Symptoms usually start 4 to 6 weeks after you are exposed to the virus. Mono can cause the spleen to swell.

Can you have mono twice?

Most people who have mono (infectious mononucleosis) will have it only once. 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).

Can I kiss my boyfriend with mono?

It is advisable to at least refrain from kissing while there are active symptoms present (i.e. sore throat, fever, swollen glands). Mono may be contracted from carriers (someone who has the organism causing the disease, but who does not become ill).

Is coughing a symptom of mono?

Rare Symptoms
Small children with mono may just be a little irritable and have a decreased appetite. On the other hand, they may also have mild upper respiratory infection symptoms, such as a cough, runny nose, or mild fever.

Is mono curable?

There isn't a vaccine or cure for mono. Antibiotics to fight bacterial infection and antiviral medications to kill other viruses don't work against mono. Instead, treatments focus on helping you feel better by relieving symptoms.

Can I go to work with Mono?

People can return to school, college, or work once they are feeling better, and their doctor approves. Some people may still feel tired for several weeks or months after other symptoms go away, which may affect their work. Mono can cause an enlarged spleen.

Do you always test positive for mono after having it?

In addition, a positive monospot isn't always caused by currently active mononucleosis. A rare individual can have persistent heterophile antibody years after recovery.

Can mono affect your kidneys?

Evidence of mild renal involvement is present in approximately 16% of patients with infectious mononucleosis as gauged by abnormalities in urinary sediment. Serious renal involvement including renal failure is very rare, our incidence was only 1.6%.

Is Mono an autoimmune disease?

Scientists have known for decades that EBV, which causes an infectious disease named mononucleosis or "kissing disease," is also linked to several autoimmune disorders, including multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

How do you heal from mono?

Mono treatment
  1. Rest. Sleep helps your body fight infection.
  2. Drink plenty of fluids. They help prevent dehydration.
  3. Soothe a sore throat. Gargle with saltwater or suck on throat lozenges, hard candy, or flavored frozen desserts (such as Popsicles).
  4. Relieve the pain.

What is the normal range for mono blood test?

Typically, monocytes make up 2 to 8 percent of total white blood cell count.

Absolute monocytes range.

Age rangeAbsolute monocytes per microliter of blood (mcL)
Adults0.2 to 0.95 x 103
Infants from 6 months to 1 year0.6 x 103
Children from 4 to 10 years0.0 to 0.8 x 103

Can you get hepatitis from mono?

Infectious mononucleosis due to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection sometimes causes acute hepatitis, which is usually self-limiting with mildly elevated transaminases, but rarely with jaundice.

What is mono on a blood test?

Infectious mononucleosis, commonly called mono, refers to an infection usually caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). The mono test detects proteins in the blood called heterophile antibodies that are produced by the immune system in response to an EBV infection.

What mono looks like?

What Are the Signs of Mono? The common signs of mono include swollen, red tonsils, enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, and a fever that ranges from 102°F to 104°F. About one-third of people who have mono have a whitish coating on their tonsils.