Can you test positive for mono but not have mono?

It is possible for a person to test positive for antibodies to the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which is the virus that causes infectious mononucleosis (mono), without actually having the active disease. This is known as a "false positive" result.

There are a few reasons why a person might test positive for mono but not have the active disease:

* Recent EBV infection: A person who has recently been infected with EBV may test positive for antibodies to the virus, even if they do not have any symptoms of mono. This is because it takes time for the body to develop immunity to the virus.

* Chronic EBV infection: Some people may develop a chronic EBV infection, which means that the virus remains in their body for a long time. These people may test positive for antibodies to EBV, but they may not have any symptoms of the disease.

* Reactivation of EBV: EBV can reactivate in people who are immunosuppressed, such as those with HIV/AIDS or cancer. This can lead to a positive test result for mono, even if the person does not have the active disease.

If you test positive for mono but you do not have any symptoms of the disease, your doctor may order additional tests to confirm the diagnosis. These tests may include a blood test to measure the levels of EBV antibodies in your blood or a throat culture to test for the presence of the EBV virus.

If you are diagnosed with mono, it is important to follow your doctor's instructions for treatment and recovery. Most people with mono recover completely within a few weeks.