Glandular Fever

What is glandular fever?

Also known as infectious mononucleosis (IM), mono or kissing disease, glandular fever is an acute viral infection caused by the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) characterised by a fever and sore throat. The name mononucleosis comes from an increase in the number of mononuclear white cells in the blood.

EBV is a member of the herpes family and is also known as herpes type 4. Most people are infected with EBV in early childhood, producing few, if any symptoms. However, if infection occurs in the teenage or early adult years, symptoms are more severe. Once you become infected, the virus remains dormant or latent in the throat and blood cells for the rest of the person's life. The good news is that most people will only have one outbreak of symptoms and if the virus does reactivate, symptoms are usually mild, if present at all.

Transmission occurs via exposure to the saliva of an infected individual such as coughing, sneezing, sharing eating utensils and kissing (hence the name "kissing disease"). The incubation period of glandular fever (ie; time between exposure to the virus and symptoms appearing) is between 4-8 weeks.

Is glandular fever contagious?

Yes, as mentioned above, transmission occurs via exposure to the saliva and an infected person and is contagious for approximately 6-8 weeks although some studies have found it can still be spread 18 months after symptoms have gone. The virus is shed in the saliva and can be spread by kissing or sharing objects such as drink bottles/glasses and eating utensils.

Can an infected person go to school/work?

As long as the person is feeling well, there is no need to stay home from work or school.

Symptoms of glandular fever:

As mentioned above, exposure in early childhood often will produce no symptoms at all & will go unnoticed. People aged between 15-25 are most commonly affected with glandular fever. Typical symptoms of glandular fever include;

• Fever.

• Sore throat.

• Tender lymph nodes in the armpits, neck & groin.

• Headache.

• Aching joints.

• Swollen, painful spleen. The spleen is located on the left hand side, under the ribs.

• Fatigue which may continue after other symptoms have gone.

Symptoms may last up to 2-3 weeks with fatigue lasting longer.

Treatment of glandular fever:

There is no cure for glandular fever and treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms & resting to allow the body to fight the virus.

Treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms & may include;

• Over the counter painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol. Note, children under 18 should not be given aspirin.

• Steroids may be prescribed to help reduce swelling in the throat.

• Rest.

• Drink plenty of fluids.

• Alcohol should be avoided during infection.

Also see:

Laryngitis, Scarlet Fever, Strep Throat, Tonsillitis

Please note:

The medical articles on this site have not been written by a doctor & should not be considered a replacement for a doctor visit. The articles are provided for informative purposes only.

Always seek immediate medical advice for any problems.

While great care has been made in the creation of these articles, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or omissions on these pages. If in any doubt whatsoever, seek professional medical advice.