Some people may have symptoms for only two to four weeks.
Others may have lingering effectsespecially fatigueuntil the virus that causes the illness becomes inactive, which can take months.
It also looks at possible complications and ways to prevent getting mono and passing the virus to others.
Verywell / Danie Drankwalter
It can take around four to six weeks for symptoms of mononucleosis to appear after you have been infected.
The period of time between exposure and the start of symptoms is called the incubation period.
The Prodrome Stage of Mono
The first stage of mono is called the prodrome stage.
It ususally laststhree to five days.
Mono symptoms start to appear during this phase.
These can include:
it’s possible for you to also have mono without symptoms.
In particular, kids under the age of 10 may have very mild symptoms or none at all.
The Acute Stage of Mono
The second phase of mono is called the acute stage.
During this time, a person’s symptoms may start to get worse.
Acute symptoms are often referred to as “classic” symptoms.
For most people, the acute symptoms of mono last for2 to 4 weeks.
Not everyone will experience every symptom of mono.
Keep in mind that mono symptoms can also show up at different times over the course of the infection.
Splenic rupture is a rare complication of mononucleosis, but it can be serious when it happens.
The Convalescent Stage of Mono
The last phase of mono is the convalescent stage.
This is when you recover from the infection, which can take anywhere fromthree to six months.
By this stage, most mono symptoms have gotten better.
However, some people still feel weak and tired.
How Long Is Mono Contagious?
Even after symptoms have cleared, thevirus can be passedin saliva for up to 18 months.
Supporting your body as it heals and fights off the virus is the best approach.
you could do this by:
Do I Need to Isolate If I Have Mono?
Epstein-Barr infections are very common.
This does not mean you have to isolate, however.
The mono virus is mostly spread through your spit (saliva).
Mono can also spread if you cough or sneeze close to somebody.
Studies have shown that the Epstein-Barr virus might be linked to certain types of cancer, includingBurkitts lymphomaandHodgkin lymphoma.
Mono has also been associated with an increased risk of developingautoimmune diseaseslikemultiple sclerosis.
Rarely, people with mono can develop achronic active Epstein-Barr virus(CAEBV) infection.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Your symptoms should start to improve in a week or two.
If they don’t, make another appointment with your healthcare provider.
Mono has a long incubation period, so it can be difficult to pinpoint when the illness actually started.
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