Mumps or glandular fever: what to know

Glandular fever, also called infectious mononucleosis, commonly causes marked tiredness, sore throat, fever, and swollen lymph glands, often in the neck. Mumps more characteristically inflames salivary glands near the ears, causing cheek or jaw swelling and pain with chewing. Symptoms overlap, and neither a sore throat nor swollen glands by itself identifies one condition.

A clinician may ask about the timing of fatigue, gland location, contact history, medicines, and vaccination. Blood tests or other investigations may be considered when the diagnosis is uncertain or symptoms are prolonged.

Rest, drink regularly, and choose soft foods when swallowing or chewing is sore. Avoid sharing drinks and close contact while an infection may be contagious. Avoid strenuous activity until a clinician says it is suitable, especially when glandular fever is suspected. Do not start antibiotics without assessment; they do not treat viral infections and some can cause a rash in glandular fever.

Arrange a GP review for persistent fever, pronounced fatigue, severe sore throat, new cheek swelling, or swollen glands that are increasing. Seek urgent care for difficulty breathing or swallowing, inability to drink, severe abdominal pain, fainting, confusion, a stiff neck, or rapidly worsening illness.

Ask whether the gland location and symptom pattern suggest glandular fever, mumps, or another infection; whether testing is useful; and which activities, medicines, and contact precautions are appropriate.