Did you know that EBV is the virus that causes mononucleosis, also known as “the kissing disease?”  EBV is commonly spread through bodily fluids, primarily saliva but also blood and semen.Infections in children usually do not cause symptoms, or symptoms are not distinguishable from other mild, brief childhood illnesses. When children activate with EBV before the age of 10, it’s much easier to overcome and they most likely will not reactivate later in life.