Glandular Fever

What is it and how do you get it?

Glandular fever, also known as ‘mono’ or, to give it its full title, mononucleosis, is caused by a virus called Epstein-Barr which is a member of the herpes family of viruses. It is transmitted via bodily fluids, including spit and the microscopic droplets of water that we exhale. This means it can be transmitted by close contact of a non-sexual nature as well as by kissing or sex.

How do you prevent it?

Short of never leaving the house, you can’t always prevent Glandular Fever. However, if you know someone who has the virus, avoiding close contact can help.

How do you know you’ve got it?

Its symptoms are body aches, a high temperature, sore throat, swollen glands, and extreme tiredness. Although not a serious disease, it can sometimes be disabling.

If you have these symptoms your doctor may as you to take a blood test so they can test for glandular fever.

How do you treat it?

There is no treatment for glandular fever - apart from plenty of rest. Normally it clears up by itself after roughly four weeks, although at its worst it can recur for months.