Mononucleosis - contagion questions

[zgma]

I have a question about how contagious mononucleosis is. 

 

We have cousins in town for a visit, and one of them will be staying with her boyfriend, who has recently had mono (he got it about 3 weeks ago, and is still recovering).

 

If she is staying with him, and we spend time with her, how likely is it that we will get exposed?  Is he still contagious?  His doctor says that he isn't, but I am sceptical.

 

I am worried because we have a germ magnet (a 2 year old), and also an 82-year-old (my partner's mom), and the idea of either of them or us catching mono is really, really unpleasant.  But we also can't not spend time with our cousins.  We can get away with not spending time with the boyfriend, but will that help us, if our cousins are exposed to him?

[Yinzer]

This used to go around in school like it was going out of style. They call it "the kissing disease" because I think it's usually only spread through direct contact. But I wouldn't want to risk it with such vulnerable family members around. It is terrible, can last for a while, go away, then come right back. My friend spent 2 months sick with it off and on. At the end of his sickness I spent time with him and didn't catch it although I don't know if that's testament to it's "non-contagious-osity" (?) or my own good fortune. Just tell your cousin to keep her kisses to herself!

[BUNNY]

The virus which causes mono is most commonly passed through saliva,so just dont go in for too much kissing!!I dont think at this stage there is going to be a big risk of infection, you probably have more risk of coming into contact with the virus walking through a shopping mall!All the same,maybe be careful about things like sharing food and cups and glasses just to put your own mind at rest.