Mononucleosis in children and young adults is usually mild and more difficult to identify and symptoms usually disappear within a few weeks. Others, particularly adults or those with weak immune systems, may take months to regain their strength and former energy level.
Mononucleosis is diagnosed by a blood test or by clinical symptoms.
Mononucleosis is passed from one person to another through contact with nose and throat secretions, particularly saliva. Kissing facilitates the spread among young adults. Though rare, mono may also be spread through a blood transfusion. It takes approximately 4-6 weeks after contact with the virus for symptoms to develop and once infected, a person may be infectious and able to pass the infection on to others for a year or longer. Unfortunately, there is no cure for Mononucleosis.