7 tips on dealing with glandular fever

Glandular fever is far more common than you might think, says Abi Jackson.

NOBODY likes a sore throat, and some can be particularly painful, especially when accompanied by swollen glands and a raging fever — which can be tell-tale signs of dreaded glandular fever.

Here are seven things everybody should know about glandular fever...

You don’t just catch it from kissing

It may be known as the ‘kissing disease’, but you don’t have to lock lips with someone to catch it.

“It’s mainly spread through saliva, so kissing, coughing, sneezing, and sharing a glass or cutlery, are the easiest ways to catch the virus,” says GP Louise Read.

“It is less easy to catch than the common cold.”

It can make you feel very unwell

Symptoms typically include swollen glands, a high temperature/fever, a sore throat and fatigue. How severe these things are can vary from person to person, but it can make you really poorly.

“The incubation period is four to eight weeks,” Dr Read explains of the time frame between catching the infection and getting unwell.

“Symptoms usually settle after two to three weeks, but can last for many weeks or months,” she adds.

The fatigue can linger

“The tiredness associated with glandular fever can last for several months, says Dr Read.

“It affects people in different ways; teenagers often have a tricky time as they’re already dealing with the effects of puberty, exams and changes in their social

"relationships. Interestingly, 10% of people diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome have had glandular fever previously.”

You’ll need to take it very easy

Though complete bed rest isn’t generally recommended (as it can actually slow the recovery process), children and teens will need some time off school, and adults will need some time off work to get some decent rest — and then ease back into normal activities gently while your energy returns.

You probably won’t need a prescription

“Antibiotics are usually not needed,” says Dr Read, as they’re used to treat bacterial infections, not viruses.

However, if you develop a secondary problem such as a bacterial throat or lung infection, they may be required.

Paracetamol and ibuprofen can help relieve pain and fever, and gargling with a warm salt-water solution can help sore throats.

Serious complications can occur

“About half of people with glandular fever get a swollen spleen, while one in 750 will end up in hospital with a ruptured (burst) spleen,” says Dr Read.

“For this reason, people are advised to avoid strenuous exercise for three to four weeks until their spleen has returned to normal size.

You need to avoid spreading the virus

Once you’ve got symptoms and while they settle, it’s sensible to take steps to avoid spreading the virus.

However, as Dr Read notes, most people will already have been exposed to the virus at some point in their lives, or be carriers.

Plus “15-20% of people will feel well but continue to spread the virus. The virus can reactivate in them but not cause any illness. This is bad news for people around them who can catch it”.