Can you get mononucleosis more than once

"Most people who have infectious mononucleosis, or mono, only get it once. Rarely, however, mononucleosis may recur months or even years later," explains Larry Martin, MD, who practices internal medicine at Baptist Medical Associates.

Mononucleosis is often called the "kissing disease." The virus that causes mono is transmitted through saliva, so you can get it through kissing, but you can also be exposedthrough a cough or sneeze, or by sharing a glass or food utensil with someone who has mono.

You’re most likely to get mono if you’re an adolescent or young adult.

Most cases of mononucleosis are caused by infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Once you’re infected with EBV, you carry the virus – usually in a dormant state – for the rest of your life.

Periodically, however, the virus may reactivate. When this happens, the virus can be detected in your saliva – but you’re not likely to become ill. Rarely, reactivated EBV may cause illness in people who have weak immune systems.

It’s important to note that mononucleosis sometimes leads to a serious condition called chronic active EBV infection, which is characterized by persistent illness more than six months after the initial mononucleosis diagnosis.

"Talk to your doctor to determine the cause of current symptoms. Keep in mind that many other conditions, such as hepatitis and toxoplasmosis, can mimic the symptoms of mononucleosis," Dr. Martin explains.