Experiences with
Glandular feverCheck if it's glandular fever
Glandular fever is most common in people aged 15 to 24 years old.
Symptoms of glandular fever may include:
- high temperature
- swollen glands, which may be in the neck, head, armpits, elbows, or groin
- sore throat
- a rash, which may be harder to see on black or brown skin
- headache
- tiredness
- a very high temperature or you feel hot and shivery
- a severe sore throat
- swelling either side of your neck – swollen glands
- extreme tiredness or exhaustion
- a sore throat that's not getting better
- difficulty breathing – you may be more short of breath than usual
- difficulty and pain when swallowing
- cannot swallow, including your own spit (saliva)
- have severe difficulty breathing – you're gasping, choking or not able to get words out
- have severe stomach pain
How to treat glandular fever yourself
Glandular fever should get better by itself, and you should start to feel better within 2 to 4 weeks.
There are some things you can do to help ease the symptoms.
rest
drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration – drink small sips frequently if it's painful to swallow
take painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen (do not give aspirin to children under 16 years old)
do not do strenuous activities like heavy lifting or playing sports
How to stop glandular fever spreading
Glandular fever is spread through spit, so you can get it through kissing or by sharing cups or cutlery.
You're infectious for up to 7 weeks before you get symptoms, and you may be infectious for several months after being unwell.
You can go back to work or school as soon as you start to feel better.
To prevent glandular fever spreading:
wash your hands regularly
wash anything that may have your spit on it
do not kiss others
do not share cups or cutlery
do not give blood
What happens at your GP appointment
A GP may order a blood test to confirm if you have glandular fever and to rule out other illnesses, like tonsillitis. The blood test will test for the Epstein-Barr virus, which usually causes glandular fever.
The GP will not give you antibiotics. Glandular fever is caused by a virus so antibiotics will not work.
Glandular fever complications
Most people get better with no problems. But sometimes glandular fever may lead to other problems like:
- liver conditions, such as hepatitis
- heart problems, such as inflammation of the heart
- kidney problems
- blood conditions, such as low levels of blood cells called platelets (thrombocytopenia) or sepsis
- neurological conditions, such as Guillain-Barré syndrome or Bell's palsy
- a ruptured (burst) spleen
- long-term tiredness (chronic fatigue) which may last for several months
Symptoms of glandular fever may include a high temperature, swollen glands, a sore throat, a rash, headache, and tiredness.
Glandular fever should get better by itself, but you can help ease the symptoms by resting, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking painkillers.
If you have glandular fever, you can help stop it spreading by not kissing anyone and not sharing your cups or cutlery.
Related links
HealthUnlocked contains information from NHS Digital, licensed under the current version of the Open Government Licence
