Glandular fever (Infectious Mononucleosis)

This is an infection due to a virus & is common in the University environment. You may experience symptoms similar to a severe cold, with an extremely sore throat, swollen glands in the neck, fever, lethargy (want to sleep 12-14 hours per day), malaise, & headache. You may feel nauseous. If these symptoms are unresolved after two weeks, you might have glandular fever. Sometimes there are severe complications.

Diagnosis: 

By specific blood test, carried out at the UHS, or by your local doctor.

Treatment

Glandular fever is sometimes a mild illness, & no treatment or time off may be needed. Many patients are well enough to return to work or University within 3-4 weeks. Recovery depends on your own immune system manufacturing antibodies to the virus. It is a good idea to rest, sometimes at home for 2-4 weeks if the symptoms are severe. During convalescence you should drink lots of water & fruit juices, & eat a diet rich in fruit, fresh vegetables, & whole grain cereals. Do not drink alcohol until you are better, as glandular fever often affects the liver. There is no specific drug treatment for glandular fever, although Panadol may help if you have a high temperature or sore throat. If there is a secondary bacterial infection, antibiotics may be prescribed. A certificate about your illness & any effect it may have had on your studies can be provided by the doctor if requested.

Prognosis

Most people recover in a few weeks or months. However some people are ill for many months with fever, malaise, & swollen glands. Your immunity to other infections may be lowered for a couple of months following an attack of glandular fever. To minimise this risk it is important to have at least 8 hours sleep every night, a nutritious diet, & to avoid getting tired.

How infectious is glandular fever?: Glandular Fever is passed on by close, direct physical contact (hence the name ‘Kissing Disease’). It is not as infectious as many other infectious diseases. You are unlikely to catch it by being in the same room with a person who has glandular fever. Partners only need to be checked if showing any symptoms. It is wise not to have close, physical, & direct contact within the first 2 weeks of the appearance of symptoms.

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