Once you're infected with EBV, you will always carry it in your body. EBV infections often remain dormant in your body but can come back or reactivate in the future.

Can Epstein-Barr keep coming back?

But rarely, mononucleosis symptoms may recur months or even years later. Most cases of mononucleosis are caused by infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Once you're infected with EBV, you carry the virus — usually in a dormant state — for the rest of your life. Sometimes, however, the virus may reactivate.

How do I know if my EBV is reactivated?

Diagnosing Epstein-Barr Reactivation with An Integrative Doctor. EBV infection can be confirmed with a blood test that detects antibodies, however, since about nine out of ten of adults have these antibodies from a past infection, it's generally only when they're elevated that indicates a reactivation of the virus.