How long does mono last?

Varies: Mononucleosis is a viral illness. It can last from a few days to several weeks to months. Rest, nutrition, and time are necessary for treatment. One can have a mild case or a more severe case to include a hepatitis. If not progressing, please follow up with your pcp or an infectious disease doctor.

See below: Most cases of mono resolve over a 2-3 week period. The sore throat lasts 3-5 days then resolves over the next 7 days. Fever usually lasts 10-14 days but is low grade for the last 5-7 days. The fatigue and prostration resolves more gradually sometimes with periods of improvement alternating with recrudescence.

2-3 wks: For most teens or adults this would gradually improve by 2-3 weeks which is the general contageous period. A subset of 1/4 may have persisting problems (tired,lethargic) for 2-3 mo. There is a myth about a "chronic" mono (yrs) that has been refuted by the CDC.

Awhile: The virus has incubation period of approximately four to six weeks.Signs and symptoms such as fever and sore throat usually lessen within a couple of weeks, although fatigue, enlarged lymph nodes and a swollen spleen may last for a few weeks longer.Mononucleosis may cause enlargement of the spleen. In extreme cases, your spleen may rupture. Sudden pain in left upper abdomen contact doctor.

2-3 wks: For most teens or adults this would gradually improve by 2-3 weeks which is the general contageous period. A subset of 1/4 may have persisting problems (tired,lethargic) for 2-3 mo. There is a myth about a "chronic" mono (yrs) that has been refuted by the CDC.