How long is mononucleosis contagious?

Question:

I understand that once you are infected with mononucleosis, the virus stays with you for life. Does that mean I can infect anyone that I kiss or shares utensils or drink out of same cup?? I got mono about 6 years ago and after suffering through several months, have not had any outbreaks. I used to have these pimple like stuff show up on my forehead where I was kissed by someone infected but it stopped showing up several years ago.

And will I be able to donate blood even though I have mono?

Answers:
Supposedly you're infectious for up to 18 months after (but I think it's a bunch of bull.it's typically not that long).

Yes, you can donate blood. I've had mono, and donate blood & platelets all the time.

Other Answers:
what is your name?

a person may be contagious of mononucleosis even when he is not presenting any symptom at all. Most people present with a feeling of fatigue. It is also good to remember that people in the recovery stage should lessen their activity basically because of splenomegaly (enlarged spleen) that may easily rupture with slight abdominal trauma.
Source(s):
filipino MD

Mono is usually caused by the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), which is a form of herpes. 95% of the world's population has been infected.

EBV is contagious. The virus lives in the saliva, and can live for several hours outside the body. Kissing gets the notoriety as a means of infection, but sharing eating utensils, foods, drinks, and toys (in day care) are significant ways to transmit mono.

Live EBV is in the saliva for 6 months or more immediately after mono. But EBV remains in the body for the rest of the life. It reappears in the saliva periodically throughout life. On any given day, about 1 in 4 people who once had mono will have EBV in their saliva.

Once you have been infected with EBV, your body may periodically shed (or give off) the virus throughout your lifetime, possibly spreading the virus to others.2 This can occur despite the fact that you do not have symptoms after your initial mono infection; the virus may still be found in your saliva many months after you have recovered from your symptoms. Some newly infected people may not have any symptoms of mono and may not be aware they are spreading the virus that causes mono.

Don't donate blood if you have active mono. Although it is unusual for the Epstein-Barr virus to be spread through blood, it is possible.
Source(s):
http://www.healthbanks.com/PatientPortal/Public/ArticlePromoted.aspx?ArticleID=HW5hw168620

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How long is mononucleosis contagious?

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