Mononucleosis (kissing disease) is an infectious disease caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, which multiplies best in the salivary glands. This is why it is easiest to get infected with mononucleosis through contact with the saliva of a sick person. How else can you catch mononucleosis?
Mononucleosis(LatinMononucleosis infectiosa , glandular fever, monocytic angina, Pfeiffer's disease) is also known askissing disease , because it's the easiest way to get infected with it by adults.
You can get infected primarily from a sick person, but also from a convalescent, who can transmit the virus for up to 18 months after getting sick.
Immediately after kisses you drink from one bottle and "give a bite". Therefore, teens and young children most often suffer from mononucleosis.
Mononucleosis: how do you get infected?
- kisses, even innocent kisses
- using the same bottle as the sick person
- contact e.g. with a sick child's toys
- blood of a sick person
- nasal discharge
Mononucleosis: how not to get infected?
Mononucleosis is very contagious and, especially in children, it is difficult to avoid child-to-child transmission. Of course, following the basic rules of hygiene can help:
- washing hands
- washing toys
- avoiding drinking from one bottle
- avoiding kisses (hard for teenagers)