Can Kissing Really Cause Mono?
Mono — also called infectious mononucleosis in America, and glandular fever outside the United States — is caused by viruses. The most common virus that causes mono is the Epstein-Barr virus , which is a member of the herpes family and is very common in humans. A few other viruses sometimes cause mono, as well. The viruses that cause mono are spread through saliva, but the disease is not as contagious as the common cold. Mono is most common in adolescents and young adults. This fact, combined with its ability to spread via saliva, lead to its reputation as the “kissing disease.” Kissing, however, is not the only way to contract mono. Sharing forks and spoons, drinking glasses, water bottles, soda cans, etc. can spread mono. It can be spread by coughing and sneezing as well.
