Table of Contents
How do you get the kissing disease?
Infectious mononucleosis (mono) is often called the kissing disease. The virus that causes mono (Epstein-Barr virus) is spread through saliva. You can get it through kissing, but you can also be exposed by sharing a glass or food utensils with someone who has mono.
What virus causes the kissing disease?
Epstein-Barr virus, or EBV, is one of the most common human viruses in the world. It spreads primarily through saliva. EBV can cause infectious mononucleosis, also called mono, and other illnesses.
How long does the kissing disease last?
Some people have no symptoms or ones that are so mild, they don’t notice them. Most people who get mono feel better in about 2 to 4 weeks. Sometimes, fatigue can last several weeks after that. In some cases, it can take 6 months or longer for the symptoms to go away.
Is the kissing disease a STD?
Is Mono Considered an STD? In cases where it is passed through sexual contact, mono can be considered a sexually transmitted disease (STD), although mono is more often spread through contact with saliva. EBV is a member of the herpes virus family, along with the viruses that cause herpes and chickenpox.
Is mono a lifelong disease?
Most cases of mononucleosis are caused by infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Once you’re infected with EBV, you carry the virus — usually in a dormant state — for the rest of your life. Sometimes, however, the virus may reactivate. When this happens, you’re not likely to become ill.
How do you get Epstein-Barr out of your system?
Although no medicine can cure an EBV infection, you can take these steps at home to ease your symptoms:
- Get plenty of rest.
- Drink a lot of water and other liquids to stay hydrated.
- Suck on lozenges or ice pops, or gargle with warm salt water, to make your sore throat feel better.
What is the kissing disease called?
This disease, usually caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), spreads through saliva and is often referred to as “mono” or “the kissing disease.” Symptoms are very similar to those of the flu and include a fever, sore throat, fatigue, muscle weakness and swollen lymph glands.
Can you get sick from kissing?
Unfortunately, no one is exempt from the disease-spreading dangers of kissing. Though people in long-term relationships may fare slightly better, anyone can get sick this way. HealthGrove used data from the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control to find nine diseases that are transmitted through saliva.
How many bacteria does kissing spread?
An intimate 10-second kiss can transfer over 80 million bacteria. Though this might help some long-term couples by diversifying their oral bacteria (and thus boosting their resistance to other microorganisms), exchanging saliva can often transfer illnesses. Unfortunately, no one is exempt from the disease-spreading dangers of kissing.