How To Prevent Mono

Are you wondering how to prevent mono when you’ve been around someone whose been feeling like crap lately? Also called mononucleosis, mono is an infection normally caused by the Epstein-Barr virus that mimics either influenza or strep. Sore throat, fever, enlarged lymph nodes, fatigue, headache, and an overall ‘blah’ feeling are classic signs of mono…and the worst part is these symptoms will not resolve themselves after a little while like the flu or with antibiotics like with strep throat. Nope, you can be contagious and have that weary, drained feeling for months after you think your mono has gone away.

Alas, there is no reliable way to prevent mono from marching mercilessly into your body and whipping your immune system into submission. However, there are a few things you can do to diminish your chances of becoming infected, either by mono or communicable sickness in general.

1. Wash your hands often. If you’ve touched communal surfaces such as railings, door handles, and counter tops, you’ll want to wash your hands with soap under warm or hot water for at least two minutes (or use hand sanitizer if you can’t get to a sink). Be sure to have some moisturizing lotion with you as well since all that washing will dry your skin out. This is a good measure to take not only to prevent mono, but any bug people around you are impaired with.
2. Don’t share drinks, utensils or hygiene items. Nothing’s wrong with taking a sip off your buddy’s soda pop, but if that pal is looking unwell, you should get your own glass. If germs from an ailing person’s mouth find their way into your mouth, you could easily end up sick with mono yourself. Be sure you have your own silverware, drinking container, and toothbrush.
3. No kissing. This virus has earned itself the nickname “the kissing disease” for a good reason: mono can be very effortlessly spread via saliva and mucous, and oral fluids aren’t much closer between two folks than when they’re kissing. If you suspect your sweetie’s sneezes and sore throat are not due to allergies, try your best not to get too intimate. We know, that’s no fun…but mono is far less amusing to deal with.
4. Steer clear of sick people. We shouldn’t even need to tell you this. Even if you’re not kissing someone or sharing their drink, simply being near them puts you at risk for contracting mononucleosis. Inhaling a saliva particle that’s wafting about in the air following an ill sneeze can occasionally be all it takes to get you sick too. If you want to really try and prevent mono, do your best to put some distance between yourself and anyone who looks flu-ish.

Sometimes, in spite of all these super-precautionary measures trying to ensure you remain healthy fall short and you end up feverishly infirm. And mono will not treat you kindly, either; due to its viral nature, you cannot be alleviated of mono with antibiotics and plainly must wait for it to run you through the metaphorical shredder for four weeks. But the advantage is that typically once you contract it, you never catch it again.