How long are we contagious after mononucleosis?

Hello Ma'am,

Mononucleosis is contagious. It is spread from person to person through contact with saliva (spit). It is nicknamed "the kissing disease" because it can be spread by kissing. It is also spread through coughing and sneezing, or when people share something with spit (such as a straw, glass, utensil, or toothbrush).

Mono can also be spread through sex and blood transfusions, but this is much less common.

Infected people carry the virus for life, even after symptoms stop and even if they had no symptoms. The virus is then "dormant" or inactive. Sometimes the dormant virus "wakes up" and is found in a person's saliva. This means they can be contagious from time to time, even when they have no symptoms.

Good day,

Alexandre Chagnon, pharmacist

Ref. Kidshealth, 2020.