DEAR DR. ROACH: My daughter was exposed to infectious mononucleosis (“mono”) at college, and she is coming to spend a week at home. What precautions do we need to take to make sure that the rest of the family remains safe? How long does the virus stay active on surfaces?
Also, can she get her flu and COVID shots? — D.G.
ANSWER: Mono is classically caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), but very similar symptoms can be caused by other agents, viruses and even a parasite as well. The virus is transmitted through saliva.
The latency period (the time from exposure until the time of symptoms) is longer than you might expect; four to six weeks is typical. Not everybody develops symptoms.
Younger children seldom develop symptoms at all when infected, yet they still receive immunity.
Unfortunately, they may shed infectious virus particles for months, years or even decades.
It is likely that the adults in your family are immune, since 90% of adults have had an EBV infection before.
EBV is not a particularly infectious disease, so transmission to family members is uncommon.
Still, you should avoid sharing anything that saliva touches, like food, cups or toothbrushes.
You don’t need to take special precautions with surfaces.
She can get the flu and COVID vaccines as long as she feels well and doesn’t have a fever.
Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to answer individual questions, but will incorporate them in the column whenever possible.
Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med. cornell.edu.