# What should I do to avoid spreading infectious mononucleosis (mono)? Canonical page: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/how-to-prevent-spread-of-infectious-mononucleosis-mono Language: en Category: infectious Publisher: ClinicsJo Published: 2026-09-13T17:52:52.747Z Content updated: 2026-09-13T17:52:52.747Z Translation (ar): https://clinicsjo.com/ar/faq/how-to-prevent-spread-of-infectious-mononucleosis-mono To avoid spreading infectious mononucleosis (mono), you should take care not to share personal items and bodily fluids with others, especially saliva. Washing your hands regularly with soap and water is a key step to reduce the risk of transmitting the virus that causes the disease. ## How infectious mononucleosis spreads Infectious mononucleosis, often caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), is transmitted primarily through bodily fluids, especially saliva. For this reason, it is sometimes called the "kissing disease" [\[1\]](). The virus can also spread by sharing food, drinks, eating utensils like forks and spoons, or lip balm with an infected person. In less common cases, the virus may be transmitted through blood transfusions, organ transplants, or through blood and semen during sexual contact [\[1\]](). ## Preventive measures to limit infection Since there is currently no vaccine to prevent infectious mononucleosis, the best way to reduce the chance of getting or spreading the illness is to avoid close contact with infected people \[1, 3\]. This includes avoiding kissing and sharing personal items that may be contaminated with saliva [\[3\]](). - **Avoid sharing personal items:** Do not share food, drinks, eating utensils, or lip balm with anyone, especially if you or the other person has mono [\[1\]](). - **Personal hygiene:** Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water regularly, especially after coughing, sneezing, or touching shared surfaces [\[1\]](). - **Avoid kissing:** Refrain from kissing anyone if you have mono or if the other person has it [\[1\]](). ## Infectiousness and risks A person infected with the Epstein-Barr virus can spread the virus for weeks, even before symptoms appear [\[3\]](). Once infected, the virus remains latent (inactive) in the body. If reactivated, a person can transmit the infection to others regardless of how much time has passed since the initial infection [\[3\]](). Although most people recover within two to four weeks, some may feel tired for several additional weeks, and sometimes symptoms may last for six months or more [\[1\]](). It is important to note that mono can cause an enlarged spleen, which may rupture and cause a medical emergency. To protect the spleen, it is advised to avoid strenuous exercise and contact sports until full recovery, which takes about a month [\[1\]](). For more information about symptoms and diagnosis, you can visit the page [Infectious Mononucleosis (Mono): Symptoms, Infection, and Recovery (Arabic)](). ## When to consult a doctor? If you suspect you have infectious mononucleosis or if you develop symptoms such as extreme fatigue, fever, sore throat, or swollen lymph nodes, it is important to consult a healthcare provider [\[1\]](). A doctor can diagnose mono based on symptoms and a physical examination, and may in some cases order a mono test to confirm the diagnosis [\[1\]](). ## Medical references - [Infectious Mononucleosis]() - [About Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)]() General health education; not a substitute for individualized clinical assessment. Citation URL: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/how-to-prevent-spread-of-infectious-mononucleosis-mono#answer