What is glandular fever?

Glandular fever, also known as infectious mononucleosis or mono, is a viral disease usually caused by infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).

What are the symptoms of glandular fever?

Nearly half of people with glandular fever have no symptoms, especially young children.

Symptoms most commonly appear in older children and young adults, usually 4–6 weeks after infection.

Symptoms may develop slowly and can include:

• fever
• sore throat
• swollen glands in the neck or armpits
• tiredness
• head and body aches
• spotty rash on body
• swelling of the abdomen (liver, spleen, or both), occurring in half of cases
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).​
  

Symptoms usually last between 1 to 3 weeks. A small number of people can have symptoms for months, in particular extreme tiredness. This is why getting plenty of rest is important when you have glandular fever.

Contact your doctor if you or your child:

• have difficulty breathing
• notice any chest pain
• feel lightheaded or confused
• have muscle weakness
• experience increased bruising or bleeding
• have difficulty swallowing
• have stomach pain.
  

How does glandular fever spread?

The virus causing glandular fever is spread from person to person typically through the saliva by:

• kissing
• talking, coughing and sneezing
• sharing utensils and drinking containers.
  

Less commonly it can be spread through blood and semen during sexual contact, blood transfusions, and organ transplantations. People can remain infectious for months, long after their symptoms have gone away.

Once you have had glandular fever, you develop a high resistance to further infection.

Who is at risk of glandular fever?

People who have not had glandular fever before are most at risk of getting sick.

Most people have been infected with EBV at some time in their lives. Some may not have had symptoms while others may have had symptoms like the flu.

People with weakened immune systems may develop more severe symptoms.

How is glandular fever diagnosed?

A blood test by a doctor can diagnose glandular fever.

What should I do if I am diagnosed with glandular fever?

There is no specific treatment for glandular fever. Symptoms will normally go away on their own after a few weeks. Stay home while unwell and limit contact with people in your home.

Things you can do to help you feel better:

• get plenty of rest
• stay hydrated (but avoid alcohol)
• gargle a glass of warm salt water and use throat lozenges to ease a sore throat
• eat a balanced diet.
  

Medicines such as paracetamol and ibuprofen can help with fever or pain.

The main complication of glandular fever is an enlarged spleen (an organ in the upper left of your abdomen). Avoid contact sports and heavy lifting for the first month after being unwell with glandular fever to reduce the risk of damage to your spleen.

You can prevent the spread of the virus to others by:

• washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after coughing or sneezing
• covering coughs and sneezes
• cleaning items contaminated with saliva, such as children’s toys
• avoiding sharing drink bottles, utensils, or other personal items while you are sick
• using protection when having sex.​
  

The virus stays in the body for life. Rarely, the virus can reactivate and cause symptoms again in people with very weak immune systems.

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