Mono (infectious mononucleosis) is contagious primarily through saliva and can be spread by kissing, sharing drinks, utensils, or other items that come into contact with saliva. The contagious period begins when symptoms start and can last for several months. Duration of Contagiousness:

• The average contagious period after the onset of symptoms is about 6 months. During this time, the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which causes mono, is actively shed in saliva

• In some cases, people may remain contagious for up to 18 months after initial symptoms

• Even after symptoms resolve, the virus remains in the body in a dormant state and can periodically reactivate, leading to small amounts of virus in saliva. This means there is a small chance of spreading the virus even when feeling well, but this is less common

• Most people with mono recover fully within a few weeks to months, but the virus can still be intermittently present in saliva for life

Key points to reduce spread:

• Avoid sharing items that come into contact with saliva (e.g., lip balm, drinking glasses, toothbrushes).
• Avoid kissing or close contact when symptomatic or during the contagious period.
• Good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing, helps reduce transmission

In summary, mono is most contagious during the first few weeks of illness but can remain contagious for up to 6 months or longer, with rare intermittent contagiousness possible afterward due to viral reactivation