Mononucleosis is a contagious disease caused by a virus and it spreads mainly by kissing. It is a very common disease among young adults and teens, so you can easily get it. Symptoms appear 4 to 6 weeks after catching the virus. The good thing is that the condition heals on its own within 2 to 4 weeks. There is no way to prevent mononucleosis other than staying away from those who have it.