Glandular fever
Glandular fever
Overview
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Glandular fever is a type of viral infection that mostly affects young adults. It normally gets better without treatment, but it can make you feel very ill. It normally lasts for 2 to 3 weeks, but in some cases you can feel ill for months.
It can also be known as infectious mononucleosis, or ‘mono’.
Common Symptoms
Emergency Warning Signs
Phone 999 if you:
- develop a rasping breath (stridor) or severe difficulty breathing
- can't swallow, even your own saliva
- develop intense stomach pain
Phone your GP practice or 111 immediately if you have:
- difficulty breathing or more shortness of breath than usual
- difficulty swallowing
Phone your GP practice if you have:
- a very high temperature or feel hot and shivery
- a severe sore throat
- swollen glands (swelling on either side of your neck)
- extreme tiredness or exhaustion
- a sore throat that isn't improving
If you are unsure, a fever self-help guide can help you check your symptoms and find out where to get help.
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
When to See a Doctor
Phone 999 if:
You:
- develop a rasping breath (stridor) or have severe difficulty breathing
- can’t swallow, including your own saliva
- develop intense stomach pain
Phone your GP practice or phone 111 immediately if you have:
- difficulty breathing or being more short of breath than normal
- difficulty swallowing
Phone your GP practice if you have:
- a very high temperature or you feel hot and shivery
- a severe sore throat
- swelling either side of your neck (swollen glands)
- extreme tiredness or exhaustion
- a sore throat that’s not getting better
Fever in adults self-help guide
Complete this guide to assess your symptoms and find out more about where to get help.
Causes
What causes glandular fever?
Glandular fever is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). This virus is found in the saliva of infected people and can be spread through:
- kissing
- exposure to coughs and sneezes
- sharing cups, glasses and unwashed cutlery
- sharing toothbrushes
EBV may be found in the saliva of someone who has had glandular fever several months after their symptoms pass. Some people may continue to have the virus in their saliva on and off for years.
Diagnosis
To find out if you have glandular fever, your GP will start by asking about your symptoms and doing a physical examination. They will check for signs such as swollen glands, tonsils, liver and spleen.
Your GP may also arrange a blood test to help confirm the diagnosis and rule out other infections that can cause similar symptoms.
Treatment
Glandular fever usually clears up by itself. Still, there is plenty you can do to ease the symptoms while your body fights off the infection.
Do
- drink plenty of fluids
- take over-the-counter painkillers, like paracetamol or ibuprofen
- get plenty of rest
If complications develop, your doctor may sometimes prescribe antibiotics or corticosteroids. A few people with especially severe symptoms may need to stay in hospital for a few days.
- wash your hands regularly
- wash anything that may have your saliva on it
Prevention
How to prevent the spread of glandular fever
You’re infectious for up to 7 weeks before you get symptoms, and you may be infectious for several months after being unwell.
To help stop you spreading glandular fever when you’re infected:
Don’t
- do not kiss others
- do not share anything that you put in or near your mouth
- do not give blood while you have glandular fever
Complications
Complications from glandular fever are rare, but when they do happen, they can be serious. These can include:
- liver problems, such as hepatitis
- kidney problems
- heart problems, such as inflammation of the heart
- blood-related problems, such as sepsis
- a ruptured (burst) spleen, which may need surgery to treat
- tiredness or fatigue that lasts a long time