Can you catch mono twice

Fatigue is one of the hallmark symptoms of both illnesses. And like mono, ME can cause a sore throat and swollen lymph nodes. Tiredness can last for many months after a mono infection, which has led some experts to believe that EBV causes ME. However, no link between the two conditions has been proven. Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the throat. In addition to the symptoms of mono, strep throat can cause:. Influenza flu is a viral infection of the respiratory tract.

In addition to the symptoms of mono, the flu can cause:. Cytomegalovirus CMV is another common virus. It affects people of all ages.

Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the liver. In addition to the symptoms of mono, hepatitis A can cause:. Rubella is a viral infection that causes a rash. In addition to the symptoms of mono, rubella can cause:. They can assess your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed. Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection STI that can affect anyone. A common misconception is that chlamydia is transmittable through kissing.

It's not always easy to determine if you have a cold or the flu, but knowing the differences helps treatment work more quickly. If you have diabetes, you'll likely experience fatigue at some point. We'll tell you what you need to know. A mononucleosis spot test will determine if you have the Epstein-Barr virus. Find out what to expect and what the results mean. Technically, yes, mono can be considered a sexually transmitted infection STI. The virus that…. Mono is a virus, which means you can't take antibiotics to get rid of it.

However, let me say that testing can be confusing and frustrating. There are a number of tests that can be run, each indicating different stages of EBV. So to cut down on confusion talk with your functional medicine provider about testing.

It is not a simple reactivation, but a chronic continual EBV infection. This form of EBV occurs when patients who have EBV infection are unable to control the infection; the virus remains in an active state, allowing symptoms of EBV infection to persist and progress. These patients can suffer potentially fatal complications and succumb to opportunistic infections, hemophagocytosis, multiorgan failure, or EBV-positive lymphoma related to immunodeficiency if not treated.

Some other viruses and disorders to consider being checked for:. Symptoms of infectious mononucleosis usually appear weeks after you have caught Epstein-Barr virus infection. Can you get mono twice?

Yes, you can get mono twice. Here are some risk factors that increase the likelihood of getting mono twice:. Your immune system can also be weakened by alcohol, smoking, chronic stress , or poor nutrition , making it easier for mono to recur. This is why it's known as a stealth pathogen. Sometimes, the recurring mono will not exhibit any similar symptoms. Preventing mono the first time is almost impossible. If your immune system remains strong and effective, EBV should should be less likely to give you mono a second time.

What are stealth pathogens? Stealth pathogens are bacteria or viruses that can survive undetected in your body for months or even years before triggering an infection. Usually, stealth pathogens lead to chronic diseases or autoimmune disorders. This is a controversial topic. The best defense against getting mono a second time is making sure your immune system is top notch.

However, antibiotic treatment, while experiencing mono, must be monitored and prescribed with caution. Taking an antibiotic if you have EBV can result in an itchy rash caused by Amoxicillin and other penicillin derivatives. This rash doesn't mean that they are allergic to the antibiotic — it's an interaction related to EBV.

Conventional medicine would recommend painkillers, such as acetaminophen Tylenol or ibuprofen Advil , to relieve the symptoms of mono. At The Fork, we do not recommend treatments that only mask symptoms while introducing adverse side effects to your body.

If you want to bring down a fever or ease aching, try these all-natural painkillers :. Also when we have patients with EBV we recommend rest, self care, and supplements that slow down the replication of the virus, strengthen the immune system, and suppress reactivation.

Always consult your healthcare provider for medical advice when you take up a new dietary supplement or lifestyle adjustment. If you live in Middle Tennessee or are willing to travel for quality services, call or click here to make an appointment at The Fork Functional Medicine in Franklin, TN. We help patients develop an individualized plan for whole-body health that can prevent stealth pathogens from wreaking their havoc.

The people who do contract mono a second time may have a weak immune system for one reason or another. Working with a functional medicine provider , you can engage in whole-body health that strengthens your immune response and prevents all sorts of chronic diseases. Seek medical attention right away if you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, a high fever, debilitating headache, sharp pain on your left side or in your abdomen, or yellow in your eyes — as these are signs of serious conditions needing immediate attention.

Juliet, and Leipers Fork, Tennessee. We are so humbled to have patients travel to see us from all over the United States. Copyright The Fork Functional Medicine. All rights reserved.

Website by Wink Digital. What causes mono? If you get mono, the virus stays in your body for life. That doesn't mean that you're always contagious.

But the virus can surface from time to time and risk infecting someone else. People who have mono can be contagious from the time they first become infected. But they may not know that they have the virus.

It takes a while for mono symptoms like tiredness, fever, muscle aches, headache, or sore throat to show up — about 1—2 months, in fact. This is called the incubation period.