Hi rjgag,
Not to worry, it's likely you have already been exposed to Mono and
have antibodies, and if not, no special precautions are recommended.
Mono is very difficult to prevent, and is not considered a health
threat. As far as how long it is contagious, no one knows for sure,
that's why you are seeing different lengths of time.
The "National Center for Disease Control" is about as authorative a
source as you can get, here's what they say:
CDC - National Center for Infectious Diseases
Epstein-Barr Virus and Infectious Mononucleosis
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/ebv.htm
..."Most individuals exposed to people with infectious mononucleosis
have previously been infected with EBV and are not at risk for
infectious mononucleosis. In addition, transmission of EBV requires
intimate contact with the saliva (found in the mouth) of an infected
person. Transmission of this virus through the air or blood does not
normally occur. The incubation period, or the time from infection to
appearance of symptoms, ranges from 4 to 6 weeks. Persons with
infectious mononucleosis may be able to spread the infection to others
for a period of weeks. However, no special precautions or isolation
procedures are recommended, since the virus is also found frequently
in the saliva of healthy people. In fact, many healthy people can
carry and spread the virus intermittently for life. These people are
usually the primary reservoir for person-to-person transmission. For
this reason, transmission of the virus is almost impossible to
prevent.
The clinical diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis is suggested on the
basis of the symptoms of fever, sore throat, swollen lymph glands, and
the age of the patient. Usually, laboratory tests are needed for
confirmation. Serologic results for persons with infectious
mononucleosis include an elevated white blood cell count, an increased
percentage of certain atypical white blood cells, and a positive
reaction to a "mono spot" test.
There is no specific treatment for infectious mononucleosis, other
than treating the symptoms. No antiviral drugs or vaccines are
available. Some physicians have prescribed a 5-day course of steroids
to control the swelling of the throat and tonsils. The use of steroids
has also been reported to decrease the overall length and severity of
illness, but these reports have not been published..."
Medline is a great resource:
Infectious Mononucleosis
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/infectiousmononucleosis.html
They have a link to the Nemours Foundation that addresses this:
How Long Is Mono Contagious? (Nemours Foundation)
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/cgi/medlineplus/leavemedplus.pl?theURL=http%3A%2F%2Fkidshealth%2Eorg%2Fteen%2Finfections%2Fcommon%2Fmono%5Fcontagious%2Ehtml
..."Answering the big question about how long a person can be
contagious is tricky because doctors and researchers aren't exactly
sure. It's generally believed that a person can spread the infection
for the entire time he or she has symptoms and even for several months
after the symptoms are completely gone. But after that, it's very
unlikely you'll give someone else mono. If you've had mono, it may be
a good idea not to share that ice cream soda for about 6 months after
you start feeling better. You also should avoid kissing, too -
although a quick peck on the cheek shouldn't put anyone at risk! ..."
The answer to your question is, if she still has Mono, she can give it
to you, but that's no reason to not to interact normally. In all
likelyhood you have already been exposed to the EBV that causes Mono
and have antibodies to prevent Mono, however, if not, it's not all
that big a deal.
I've had Mono. My Doctor told me and I was surprised to hear him tell
me there was nothing to worry about.
Hope you enjoy your visit!
~~Cynthia
Search terms used at Google:
"center for disease control" Mononucleosis contagious |
