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Prevention

By Mayo Clinic staff

Mononucleosis is spread through saliva. If you're infected, you can help prevent spreading the virus to others by not kissing them and by not sharing food, dishes, glasses and utensils until several days after your fever has subsided and even longer, if possible.

The Epstein-Barr virus may persist in your saliva for months after the infection. There's no vaccine to prevent mononucleosis.

References
  1. Epstein-Barr virus and infectious mononucleosis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/ebv.htm. Accessed April 27, 2010.
  2. Infectious mononucleosis. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec14/ch189/ch189f.html. Accessed April 27, 2010.
  3. Fort GG, et al. Mononucleosis. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2010. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/198193047-5/0/2088/420.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05609-0..00022-8--sc0150_8624. Accessed April 27, 2010.
  4. Katz BZ. Epstein-Barr virus infections (mononucleosis and lymphoproliferative disorders). In: Long SS, et al., eds. Long: Principles and Practice of Pediatric Infectious Diseases. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/198193047-5/0/1679/211.html?tocnode=55243816&fromURL=211.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-443-06687-0..50210-1_3825. Accessed April 27, 2010.
  5. Ross SM. An integrative approach to rhinosinusitis in children. Holistic Nursing Practice. 2009;23:302.
  6. Hoecker JL (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. April 29, 2010.
DS00352 June 26, 2010

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