Mono symptoms can you get it twice

To make things even more confusing, some people can carry the virus without ever getting any mono symptoms. So they may not know they have been infected, but they can still pass it to others. In fact, most people have been infected with EBV by the time they reach adulthood.

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. Genes may also play a role in the disease. Symptoms like fever and sore throat should go away within a couple of weeks. You may experience fatigue and swollen lymph nodes for a few more weeks.

Persistent fatigue may be a sign of chronic EBV infection. See your doctor if your fatigue lasts for more than a month after mono has been diagnosed. Myalgic encephalomyelitis ME , formerly known as chronic fatigue syndrome , is often mistaken for mono. Fatigue is one of the hallmark symptoms of both illnesses. And like mono, ME can cause a sore throat and swollen lymph nodes.

Tiredness can last for many months after a mono infection, which has led some experts to believe that EBV causes ME. However, no link between the two conditions has been proven. Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the throat. In addition to the symptoms of mono, strep throat can cause:. Influenza flu is a viral infection of the respiratory tract.

In addition to the symptoms of mono, the flu can cause:. Cytomegalovirus CMV is another common virus. It affects people of all ages. Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the liver. In addition to the symptoms of mono, hepatitis A can cause:. Once you've had mono, it's extremely unlikely that you'll get it again months or even years later.

When you've been infected with EBV, it remains in your throat and blood cells for the rest of your life — but is usually latent, or inactive. Your immune system produces antibodies in your blood that help protect you against a recurrence of EBV. However, EBV may periodically reactivate in your body, leading to higher levels of the virus in your saliva. Even if EBV does reactivate, there are usually no symptoms of mono in otherwise healthy people, Marinov says.

However, you could possibly still spread EBV to others, regardless of how long it's been since you were first infected, the CDC notes. That's why mono can be contagious long after you've displayed symptoms.

However, if you have a weakened or suppressed immune system, also known as being immunocompromised, then you're more at risk of getting mono more than once. If you have the following conditions, you are more likely to show symptoms of mono if EBV reactivates. Although it is unclear what can trigger a reactivation of EBV, it may be due to an activation of B cells — a type of white blood cells in your immune system — in response to an unrelated infection.

EBV invades your B cells and makes your body produce an excessive number of lymphocytes, the round white blood cells in your lymph tissues, and produce fewer neutrophils, the white blood cells that boost your immune system's ability to fight infection.

EBV-invaded B cells may proliferate more in people with weakened immune systems. Also when we have patients with EBV we recommend rest, self care, and supplements that slow down the replication of the virus, strengthen the immune system, and suppress reactivation. Always consult your healthcare provider for medical advice when you take up a new dietary supplement or lifestyle adjustment. If you live in Middle Tennessee or are willing to travel for quality services, call or click here to make an appointment at The Fork Functional Medicine in Franklin, TN.

We help patients develop an individualized plan for whole-body health that can prevent stealth pathogens from wreaking their havoc. The people who do contract mono a second time may have a weak immune system for one reason or another. Working with a functional medicine provider , you can engage in whole-body health that strengthens your immune response and prevents all sorts of chronic diseases.

Seek medical attention right away if you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, a high fever, debilitating headache, sharp pain on your left side or in your abdomen, or yellow in your eyes — as these are signs of serious conditions needing immediate attention. Juliet, and Leipers Fork, Tennessee. We are so humbled to have patients travel to see us from all over the United States. Copyright The Fork Functional Medicine.

All rights reserved. Website by Wink Digital. What causes mono? What causes mono flare ups? Some other viruses and disorders to consider being checked for: Influenza is a viral infection in your respiratory system. Strep throat is a bacterial infection — you guessed it — in your throat. Strep throat triggers some mono-like symptoms, but can also present white patches on your tonsils and red spots in the back of your mouth. If left untreated Strep can lead to complications and development of more serious conditions such as rheumatic fever, scarlet fever, poststreptococcal reactive arthritis, or poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis.

If you think you have strep see your provider. Hepatitis A is a highly contagious viral infection of the liver. Hepatitis A exhibits mono-like symptoms although it also exhibits other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, jaundice , and joint pain. Rubella is a viral infection that shares symptoms with mono. However, rubella has some unique symptoms: facial rash, red eyes, runny nose, and a cough. Myalgic encephalomyelitis ME is another disorder often mistaken for mono, and formerly known as chronic fatigue syndrome.

This makes sense since the primary symptom in both mono and ME is extreme tiredness. Cytomegalovirus CMV is a common virus that can trigger symptoms similar to mono. This virus affects every age group. Common Mono Symptoms Symptoms of infectious mononucleosis usually appear weeks after you have caught Epstein-Barr virus infection.

Mono symptoms Severe fatigue may persist longer than other symptoms Severe sore throat Swollen glands in your neck Swollen tonsils Loss of appetite Body aches Fever Headache Symptoms of chronic EBV Severe fatigue lasting for multiple months Swollen lymph nodes that persist Enlarged spleen Enlarged liver possibly liver failure Anemia Rash Nerve damage Low levels of platelets in your blood Low levels of infection-fighting immune cells Causes of Recurring Mono Can you get mono twice?

Here are some risk factors that increase the likelihood of getting mono twice: Living in Asia, Mexico, Central America, South America HIV infection Pregnancy Organ transplant Genetic factors Weakened immune system Stress Extreme Fatigue Other illness or anything that stress the body Your immune system can also be weakened by alcohol, smoking, chronic stress , or poor nutrition , making it easier for mono to recur.