Glandular fever: The symptoms and how to treat the illness that can linger for months

NOBODY likes a sore throat, and some can be particularly painful, especially when accompanied by horribly swollen glands and a raging fever.

These can be the tell-tale signs of dreaded glandular fever.

Caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), most people will be exposed to it during their lifetime — often in early childhood, when it might cause minimal symptoms, or even go totally unnoticed, and the body builds up immunity to it.

This isn’t always the case though, and some — particularly teens and young adults — catch it later and experience a nasty bout of illness.

It may be commonly known as the “kissing disease”, but that doesn’t mean you only catch it from locking lips with somebody who’s infected.

“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 Dr Louise Read, a GP and advisor to Dr Morton’s — the medical helpline.

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

Symptoms typically include swollen glands, a high temperature/fever, and a horribly-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.

“The tiredness associated with glandular fever can last for several months, too.

“Up to 50% of people with glandular fever can feel like this.

“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.”

Though taking to your bed isn’t generally recommended these days, as this can actually slow the recovery process, people will need time to get some decent rest.

Staying well-hydrated is also important because of the fever, along with good nourishment and general TLC.

Avoiding alcohol is also advised, due to a greater risk of liver damage while your body’s fighting the infection.

Antibiotics are usually not needed, but 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.

“Infections like pneumonia are recognised complications, but are fairly rare,” adds Dr Read.

“About half of people with glandular fever get a swollen spleen, while one in 750 will end up with a ruptured spleen.

“Other complications, like problems with the nerves, are also rare, affecting about one in 100 people with glandular fever.”

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.

“The virus can reactivate in them, but not cause any illness — bad news for people who can catch it,” she adds.