Kissing and contact with hands or toys soiled with infected saliva are common ways to spread the virus. EBV is shed in the saliva during the illness and for many months after infection. The virus can reactivate later and be shed again from the mouth and throat. Tiredness Symptoms start 30 to 50 days after exposure. Older children and young adults are more likely to have symptoms.
Symptoms can last from one to several weeks.
Almost everyone catches mononucleosis during their life. No treatment other than rest is needed for most people with mononucleosis. Avoid contact with the saliva of someone who has mononucleosis or who recently had it. Keep children's toys clean and out of the mouths of others. Persons with a recent EBV infection should not donate blood.