This author has been verfied for credibility and expertise. Glandular fever or infectious mononucleosis is a type of viral infection that causes fever, sore throat, swollen glands and fatigue 1 3.
Most cases of glandular fever are caused by the Epstein-Barr virus 1. According to the website NHS Choices, approximately 90 percent of adults contract glandular fever each year 1 2. There is no specific treatment for glandular fever 1. Complications of glandular fever are rare, but it is important to know the risks associated with this condition 1 2.
Many people who develop glandular fever experience an inflamed spleen 1. An inflamed spleen usually does not cause immediate health concerns, but it can increase the risk of a ruptured spleen. As with other infectious diseases, the spread of glandular fever can be reduced.
People who have glandular fever, or those who come into contact with people with glandular fever, should:. The main complication of glandular fever is an enlarged spleen a gland in the upper left-hand part of the abdomen. Sometimes the spleen can rupture split. Seek medical attention right away if you have glandular fever and notice a sharp pain under the left chest, feel lightheaded or confused, have blurred vision, or faint.
Illness can be more severe in those who have lowered immunity, such people how have had an organ transplant. There are a number of resources and services available if you need help or more information on glandular fever:.
Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content. Infectious Mononucleosis fact sheetInfectious mononucleosis mostly affects teenagers and young adults. The disease is spread through saliva and can cause fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes.
Read more on NSW Health website. Find out about the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of glandular fever infectious mononucleosis - sometimes called the kissing disease. Read more on myDr website. Glandular fever - caused by the Epstein Barr virus EBV - spread from person-to-person by saliva and stays for life usually with no further illness.
Read more on SA Health website. Glandular fever is a viral illness mostly affecting older children and teenagers. Symptoms include sore throat, fatigue and swollen neck glands. See a GP. Read more on raisingchildren. Read more on Better Health Channel website. Cytomegalovirus CMV infection in children and adults is usually without symptoms but the infection is thought to remain for life.
How glandular fever is diagnosed To diagnose glandular fever, your GP will first ask about your symptoms before carrying out a physical examination. How glandular fever is treated There is no cure for glandular fever, but there are a number of simple treatments and measures that can help reduce the symptoms while you wait for your body to control the infection.
These include: drinking plenty of fluids taking over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen getting plenty of rest and gradually increasing your activity as your energy levels improve Occasionally, antibiotics or corticosteroids may be used if you develop complications of glandular fever. Possible complications Complications associated with glandular fever are uncommon, but when they do occur they can be serious.
They can include: further infections of other areas of the body, including the brain, liver and lungs severe anaemia a lack of oxygen-carrying red blood cells breathing difficulties as a result of the tonsils becoming significantly swollen a ruptured burst spleen, which may need to be treated with surgery Read more about the complications of glandular fever.
Symptoms of glandular fever Symptoms of glandular fever are thought to take around one to two months to develop after infection with the Epstein-Barr virus EBV. Main symptoms The most common symptoms of the condition are: a high temperature fever a sore throat — this is usually more painful than any you may have had before swollen glands in your neck and possibly in other parts of your body, such as under your armpits fatigue extreme tiredness Other symptoms Glandular fever can also cause: a general sense of feeling unwell aching muscles chills sweats loss of appetite pain around or behind your eyes swollen tonsils and adenoids small lumps of tissue at the back of the nose , which may affect your breathing the inside of your throat to become very red and ooze fluid small red or purple spots on the roof of your mouth a rash swelling or "puffiness" around your eyes a tender or swollen tummy jaundice yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes Some of these symptoms may develop a few days before the main symptoms mentioned above.
How the condition progresses Most symptoms of glandular fever will usually resolve within two or three weeks. For example, it can be spread through: kissing — glandular fever is sometimes referred to as the "kissing disease" sharing food and drinks sharing toothbrushes exposure to coughs and sneezes Small children may be infected by chewing toys that have been contaminated with the virus. Treating glandular fever There is currently no cure for glandular fever, but the symptoms should pass within a few weeks.
Fluids It is important to drink plenty of fluids preferably water or unsweetened fruit juice to avoid dehydration. Avoid alcohol, as this could harm your liver, which may already be weakened from the infection.
Painkillers Painkillers available over the counter, such as paracetamol or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs such as ibuprofen , can help reduce pain and fever. Rest It is important you take plenty of rest while you recover from glandular fever, although complete bed rest is no longer recommended because it may make the fatigue last longer. Preventing the spread of infection There is no need to be isolated from others if you have glandular fever as most people will already be immune to the Epstein-Barr virus EBV.
Antibiotics and steroids Antibiotics are not effective in treating glandular fever because they have no effect on viruses, but they may be prescribed if you also develop a bacterial infection of your throat or lungs pneumonia.
A short course of corticosteroids may also be helpful if: your tonsils are particularly swollen and are causing breathing difficulties you have severe anaemia a lack of oxygen-carrying red blood cells you have problems affecting your heart, such as pericarditis inflammation of the sac that surrounds the heart you have problems affecting your brain or nerves, such as encephalitis Read more about the complications of glandular fever.
Hospital treatment Most people are able to recover from glandular fever at home, but hospital treatment may be necessary for a few days if you or your child: develop a rasping breath stridor or have any breathing difficulties find swallowing fluids difficult develop intense abdominal pain Treatment in hospital may involve receiving fluids or antibiotics directly into a vein intravenously , corticosteroid injections and pain relief.
Complications of glandular fever Most people with glandular fever will recover in two or three weeks and won't experience any further problems.
Prolonged fatigue More than 1 in every 10 people with glandular fever will experience prolonged fatigue, which lasts for six months or more after the initial infection. Reduction in blood cells In a few cases, glandular fever can lead to a reduction in some blood cells. It can reduce levels of: red blood cells anaemia — this can make you feel tired and out of breath white blood cells neutropenia — this can make you more prone to developing a secondary infection platelets — this can make you bruise and bleed more easily In most cases, the reduction in the number of blood cells is small and only causes mild symptoms.
Ruptured spleen Around half of people who develop glandular fever will have a swollen spleen. The main sign of a ruptured spleen is sharp pain in the left of the tummy abdomen. Secondary infection In a small number of cases, the initial infection weakens your immune system and allows bacteria to infect parts of the body.
Tweet Click here to share this page on Twitter This will open a new window. Print Click here to print this page This will open your print options in a new window. Source: NHS 24 - Opens in new browser window. Last updated:. How can we improve this page? Email Address e. Message Maximum of characters. Send feedback. Also on NHS inform. Back to Health A to Z. Glandular fever mostly affects teenagers and young adults.
It gets better without treatment, but it can make you feel very ill and last for weeks. The GP might order a blood test to confirm it's glandular fever and to rule out other illnesses, like tonsillitis. This will test for the Epstein-Barr virus, which causes glandular fever.
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