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Is Epstein Barr Contagious?

Alexander Ross • • 6 min read
Is Epstein Barr Contagious?

Facts you should know about Epstein-Barr virus infections
The Epstein-Barr virus is contagious and is spread from person to person. EBV is contagious during the incubation period and while symptoms are present; some individuals may be contagious for as long as 18 months.

How is Epstein-Barr virus transmitted?

EBV spreads most commonly through bodily fluids, especially saliva. However, EBV can also spread through blood and semen during sexual contact, blood transfusions, and organ transplantations. EBV can be spread by using objects, such as a toothbrush or drinking glass, that an infected person recently used.

Is Epstein-Barr contagious forever?

EBV is tricky. Experts think people with mono are most contagious for the first 18 months, but EBV stays in the body for life. The virus can show up in a person's saliva from time to time, even if it doesn't make that person feel sick with mono again.

Alexander Ross
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Alexander Ross

Alexander Ross has covered the video game industry for a decade, writing deep dives on game design, esports tournaments, VR developments, and gaming culture.