Can You Get Mono Twice

Can you get mono twice in a lifetime? The answer to that question is yes and no. You may be looking a bit confused right now; thinking how is that possible. Mono, which is short for the virus mononucleosis, is part of the herpes family. If you know anything about herpes, then you will have some idea how mono can affect you. If you are still scratching your head, this will clear up any confusion you are having.

How is mono contracted?  Mono is contracted through the Epstein Barr virus. Some people call mono the kissing disease, because that’s one way of how it’s contracted through a kiss. It can also be contracted if an effected person coughs or sneeze on you, but that’s more likely if you have a weak immune system. When you have mono, your body begins to build up antibodies against this disease, to prevent you from catching it twice. However, there is the risk of mono becoming active again. This is not a serious disease, but once mono is contracted it will always be a part of you, it just becomes dormant and inactive virus.

Here are the symptoms of mono: Extreme fatigue for no apparent reason, fever ranging from mild to severe, and sore throat resembling strep. You should also check in your armpit and neck to see if your glands are swollen. Other symptoms include loss of appetite, skin rash and muscle pain.

Is mono contagious? You don’t have to avoid someone as if he contracted the “bubonic plague.” Good personal hygiene is very important to prevent spreading mono. Mono can be contracted through the saliva so kissing should be avoided, especially if the mono is in its active state. Sharing cups, plates, utensils and eating behind someone with mono should be avoided.

Treatment for mono. Antibiotics may be given to relieve the symptoms of mono, but they typically don’t have any effect on the symptoms’ of mono. The best thing you can do to get some relief from mono is drink plenty of fluids, like warm tea to soothe that inflamed throat. Gargle with warm salt water, suck on throat lozenges or use the throat spray, take pain reliever like ibuprofen to ease the pain and reduce the fever and also get plenty of bed rest.

How to prevent mono from flaring up? To keep mono at bay, eat healthy and exercise. This will keep your immune system strong and healthy and prevent mono from becoming active.