How Long Fatigue Lasts in Infectious Mononucleosis

Updated on February 22, 2021

Medically reviewed by Chris Vincent, MD

Infectious mononucleosis (or mono) is a common contagious disease that may result in symptoms of profound fatigue or tiredness. If your fatigue doesn't go away, you might wonder if it has another cause, or whether you have chronic fatigue syndrome.

Mono may be the sole cause or a contributor of persistent fatigue. But if you're not getting better, your healthcare provider may also want to consider sleep disorders such as sleep apnea.

Businessman napping on train due to fatigue from infectious mononucleosis or the kissing disease — Paul Bradbury / Getty Images

Mononucleosis Causes

Mononucleosis is not a sleep disorder but it can cause fatigue that's just as debilitating.

Mono is sometimes called the "kissing disease" due to its easy transmission via saliva, which means a lot of people catch it through a kiss or by personal contact, as well as sharing food and dishes. The condition is characterized by:

Fever
Infection of the tonsils or throat
Swelling of lymph nodes

Most cases of mono are caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which is quite common, eventually infecting between 90% and 95% of all adults. However, most people experience no symptoms of EBV.

This virus is spread by personal contact. Mono can also be caused by cytomegalovirus (CMV). Mono infections are very common among teenagers and young adults, especially those living in close quarters, like in dormitories on college campuses.

When Fatigue Doesn't Improve

For most people, the symptoms of fatigue associated with mono will gradually resolve over a period of two weeks to a few months. In a minority of people, though, fatigue may still be present six months after the initial infection. In those cases, further evaluation may be necessary.

If fatigue persists beyond six months, your healthcare provider may start to consider a diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome, as EBV is theorized to be a possible cause of this disease. Though the relationship isn't fully understood, it may represent long-standing impacts of the initial infection.

It may also be important to look at sleep disorders that can cause sleepiness and fatigue, including obstructive sleep apnea and insomnia. These common conditions often contribute to unrestful sleep. Because they require different treatment, they shouldn't be overlooked as having a possible role in ongoing symptoms.

Depending on your specific symptoms, your healthcare provider may also test you for anemia and thyroid dysfunction. Depression and anxiety are also common causes of fatigue.

Mononucleosis Doctor Discussion Guide

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A Word From Verywell

If you are struggling with debilitating fatigue or tiredness, talk to your healthcare provider and see what tests they recommend. Because fatigue has numerous possible causes, the diagnostic process can be long and frustrating. Remember that the end goal is identifying the cause of your fatigue so you can get the right treatment and get your life back on track. That's worth the wait.

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