Glandular Fever

Glandular fever is a virus that makes you feel very unwell. It's sometimes called the "kissing disease" because it spreads through spit. Most people who get it are teenagers and young adults aged 15 to 24.

What Are the Signs?

The main signs of glandular fever include:

• High temperature (fever)
• Swollen lumps in your neck, armpits, elbows or groin - these are your glands
• Very sore throat
• Skin rash (this might be harder to see if you have black or brown skin)
• Bad headaches
• Feeling extremely tired

You might feel like you have the worst flu ever. The tiredness can be overwhelming - some people can barely get out of bed.

When Should You See Your GP?

Speak to your GP if you have:

• A very high temperature or feel hot and shivery
• A severe sore throat
• Swelling on either side of your neck
• Extreme tiredness that won't go away
• A sore throat that's not getting better

Call NHS 111 if you have:

• Trouble breathing or feel more out of breath than usual
• Pain and difficulty when swallowing

Call 999 immediately if you:

• Cannot swallow anything, including your own spit
• Have severe breathing problems - gasping, choking, or can't get words out
• Have severe stomach pain

Don't drive yourself to A&E - the 999 operator will tell you what to do.

How to Help Yourself Feel Better

The good news is that glandular fever gets better on its own. You should start feeling better within 2 to 4 weeks.

Things that can help:

• Rest - this is really important. Your body needs time to fight the virus
• Drink plenty of fluids - take small sips often if swallowing hurts
• Take painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen (never give aspirin to children under 16)

Things to avoid:

• Heavy lifting or playing sports
• Pushing yourself too hard - you need proper rest

How Does It Spread?

Glandular fever spreads through spit. You can catch it by:

• Kissing someone who has it
• Sharing cups, cutlery, or water bottles
• Being near someone who coughs or sneezes

You can spread it to others for up to 7 weeks before you even feel ill. You might also be able to spread it for several months after you feel better.

To stop it spreading:

• Wash your hands regularly
• Don't kiss other people
• Don't share cups or cutlery
• Wash anything that might have your spit on it
• Don't give blood

You can go back to work or school when you start feeling better.

What Happens at the GP?

Your GP might do a blood test to check if you have glandular fever. This test looks for a virus called Epstein-Barr virus, which usually causes glandular fever.

Your GP won't give you antibiotics because glandular fever is caused by a virus, not bacteria. Antibiotics don't work against viruses.

Most people get completely better with no lasting problems. Rarely, glandular fever can cause other health issues, so it's important to speak to your GP if you're worried about any symptoms.

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Based on NHS.uk guidance. Written by Dr Krishnan Pasupathi, NHS GP.