Is it possible to catch mononucleosis twice during life?

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In summary, the person says that they have been infected with the Epstein-Barr virus and that they are not sure if they can get it again, but they have had it before and it is possible to contract it more than once.
  • #1
fluidistic
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Hi,
I've been suffering of mononucleosis in late 2006. I've read that the virus never leave out the body for all the life of the infected person. I wonder if it is possible that the virus becomes active once again (like the herpes virus since they are closely related) and also if it is possible to me to contract it from drinking a glass of a person suffering from it.
Last question : can I transmit it to people not yet infected?
Thanks.
 
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  • #2
Talk to your doctor. You may be able to shed the Epstein-Barr virus for over a year after infection, but I don't know if you are likely to be able to infect others. Once you have had mono, I doubt that you can contract it again because your body has developed antibodies against the EBV. I am not a doctor, but had a very bad run-in with mono back in college (badly enlarged spleen, too), so you should check with your family doctor for REAL medical advice.
 
  • #3
I can tell you from personal experience that it is possible to have it twice. I had it late in '01 and had it in June of '08. There is a common misconception that you cannot get it more than once. Do some searching around on the web and there is plenty of misinformation about only being able to contract it once. Each time I had it I was tested specifically for it. The last time at my request since the symptoms seemed a bit too familiar.
 
  • #4
I have also had it several times over the past 2 decades. So the answer is yes, you can have it more then once.
 
  • #5
Ok thank you for the information. I thought I was immunized to it. I don't have a personal doctor where I live but I could go to see a doctor anyway. I hope I can't infect other people. Incredibly I was living with my girlfriend when I got ill and kissed her many times. She didn't get mononucleosis.
 

FAQ: Is it possible to catch mononucleosis twice during life?

Can you get mononucleosis more than once?

Yes, it is possible to catch mononucleosis more than once in your lifetime. This is because the virus that causes mono, the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), remains in your body even after you have recovered from the initial infection. While your immune system will develop antibodies to fight against the virus, it is still possible for the virus to reactivate and cause mono again.

Is it common to get mono more than once?

No, it is not common to get mono more than once. Most people develop immunity to the virus after their initial infection, so it is rare for them to get mono again. However, it is still possible and depends on factors such as the strength of your immune system and how long the virus remains dormant in your body.

How long does the virus stay in your body?

The EBV virus can remain in your body for the rest of your life. However, it is usually only active during the initial infection and may reactivate from time to time without causing symptoms. In some cases, the virus may also remain dormant in your body without causing any symptoms or reactions.

Can you pass mononucleosis to others if you've had it before?

Yes, you can still pass on mononucleosis to others even if you have had it before. This is because the virus remains in your body and can be passed on through saliva or mucus. However, the risk of passing on the virus is lower compared to someone who is experiencing their first infection.

How can you prevent getting mono again?

There is no sure way to prevent getting mono again, but there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. These include maintaining good hygiene, avoiding sharing personal items, and boosting your immune system through a healthy diet and lifestyle. It is also important to rest and take care of yourself if you do experience a reactivation of the virus to help your body fight it off.

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