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How Long Is Mononucleosis Contagious After Symptoms Appear?
Question: My 6 month old son may have been exposed to mono.
Today a family friend was over. She was diagnosed with mono in mid to late April, but is now feeling back to normal. I was ok with her coming over, but didn't want her to hold my son because I know mono is spread through saliva and my son likes to grab people's mouths. He also likes to chew on his own hands.
After she was here for several hours, I had a lapse in judgement. I let her hold my baby while I fixed a plate of food. She probably held hom for 3 minutes. I wasn't in the room so I don't know if she got in his face or if he grabbed her mouth. He had a paci in so I don't believe he put his hands in his mouth, but the paci may have fallen out and been put back in.
How long is mono contagious after symptoms appear? How likely would he be to catch mono from her? I should also mention that he was partially breastfed for the first 3 months, and hasn't been breastfed at all for the last 3 months.
Thanks in advance!
Today a family friend was over. She was diagnosed with mono in mid to late April, but is now feeling back to normal. I was ok with her coming over, but didn't want her to hold my son because I know mono is spread through saliva and my son likes to grab people's mouths. He also likes to chew on his own hands.
After she was here for several hours, I had a lapse in judgement. I let her hold my baby while I fixed a plate of food. She probably held hom for 3 minutes. I wasn't in the room so I don't know if she got in his face or if he grabbed her mouth. He had a paci in so I don't believe he put his hands in his mouth, but the paci may have fallen out and been put back in.
How long is mono contagious after symptoms appear? How likely would he be to catch mono from her? I should also mention that he was partially breastfed for the first 3 months, and hasn't been breastfed at all for the last 3 months.
Thanks in advance!
Brief Answer:
Suggetions on Infectious Mononucleosis
Detailed Answer:
Hi....coming yo your queer directly -
1. There are no studies to prove how long the infected person is contagious. Actually the virus stays in the body for life time. But off the record belief of many practicing pediatricians is that - the most contagious period from onset of symptoms is up to 1-2 years. But this is one viral infection which can be asymptomatic in some people and they can be contagious for the above mentioned period.
2. The likelihood of catching a mono from an infected person can be an all or none phenomenon. It can only be diagnosed if symptoms develop.
Typical symptoms of infectious mononucleosis usually appear 4 to 6 weeks after you get infected with EBV. Symptoms may develop slowly and may not all occur at the same time.
These symptoms include—extreme fatigue, fever
sore throat, head and body aches, swollen lymph nodes in the neck and armpits, swollen liver or spleen or both, rash.
If these symptoms develop in the kid I suggest you approach your pediatrician.
Meanwhile I should say that breast feeding will definitely have it's own advantage.
Regards - Dr. Sumanth
Suggetions on Infectious Mononucleosis
Detailed Answer:
Hi....coming yo your queer directly -
1. There are no studies to prove how long the infected person is contagious. Actually the virus stays in the body for life time. But off the record belief of many practicing pediatricians is that - the most contagious period from onset of symptoms is up to 1-2 years. But this is one viral infection which can be asymptomatic in some people and they can be contagious for the above mentioned period.
2. The likelihood of catching a mono from an infected person can be an all or none phenomenon. It can only be diagnosed if symptoms develop.
Typical symptoms of infectious mononucleosis usually appear 4 to 6 weeks after you get infected with EBV. Symptoms may develop slowly and may not all occur at the same time.
These symptoms include—extreme fatigue, fever
sore throat, head and body aches, swollen lymph nodes in the neck and armpits, swollen liver or spleen or both, rash.
If these symptoms develop in the kid I suggest you approach your pediatrician.
Meanwhile I should say that breast feeding will definitely have it's own advantage.
Regards - Dr. Sumanth
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
He isn't breastfed anymore because my milk supply was weak and dried up about 3 months ago, so he's not protected by my antibodies. Can mono be dangerous in babies? Would he have to come into direct contact with her saliva to become infected?
Brief Answer:
Suggestions on Mono
Detailed Answer:
Hi...
1. Its not that it is dangerous to babies. Most infections with EBV go unnoticed or produce only very mild symptoms, in some cases, it can be associated with the development of serious conditions, including several types of cancer. But this is very rare. Don't worry about it.
2. Any body fluid including sweat can transmit this disease.
Regards - Dr. Sumanth
Suggestions on Mono
Detailed Answer:
Hi...
1. Its not that it is dangerous to babies. Most infections with EBV go unnoticed or produce only very mild symptoms, in some cases, it can be associated with the development of serious conditions, including several types of cancer. But this is very rare. Don't worry about it.
2. Any body fluid including sweat can transmit this disease.
Regards - Dr. Sumanth
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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