The infection is probably spread by saliva and close contact. People may be contagious while they have symptoms and for up to a few months afterwards. The virus can live for several hours outside the body. Avoid kissing or sharing utensils if you or someone close to you has mono. The exact period that people are contagious varies.
Hoffman, R., ed. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 4th ed. New York, NY: Churchill Livingstone, 2005.
Gershon, AA, Hotez, PJ, and Katz, SL, eds. Krugman’s Infectious Diseases of Children. 11th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2004.
Noble J, ed. Textbook of Primary Care Medicine. 3rd ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2001.