Glandular Fever

Glandular fever is a viral illness that commonly causes fever, sore throat, swollen glands and fatigue.

It is also called infectious mononucleosis or mono. The illness often affects the throat and lymph glands, while the tiredness can make normal work, study and exercise harder for a while.

Fatigue, fever, a sore throat and swollen glands are very common presentations of glandular fever. Some people also feel generally unwell, develop night sweats, or notice swollen tonsils.

Symptoms can resemble other throat infections. Seek urgent medical care for trouble breathing, inability to swallow fluids, severe abdominal pain, confusion, or signs of dehydration.

The virus is passed mainly through saliva, for example through close kissing or sharing drinks, cups, cutlery or toothbrushes. It can also spread through other close contact involving saliva.

A person may not realise they are carrying the virus, so practical hygiene measures help limit sharing of saliva.

The sore throat and fever often improve before energy fully returns. Recovery varies, and it is sensible to increase activity gradually according to how you feel rather than trying to resume demanding routines immediately.

Avoid contact sports and heavy lifting until a clinician says it is appropriate, because glandular fever can sometimes enlarge the spleen.

Close contact with someone whose saliva carries the virus can lead to exposure. Shared utensils and drinks can create a route for saliva to pass between people.

Having a busy schedule does not cause the infection, but poor rest can make coping with fatigue more difficult while you are unwell.

A clinician will ask about your symptoms, examine your throat and glands, and may feel your abdomen. A blood test may support the diagnosis or help rule out other causes of similar symptoms.

Tell the clinician about medicines you take, recent illness and any worsening pain in the upper left side of the abdomen.

There is no specific medicine that clears the usual viral cause. Care focuses on rest, fluids and suitable pain or fever relief recommended by a clinician or pharmacist. Antibiotics do not treat viruses unless a separate bacterial infection is diagnosed.

Choose soft foods if swallowing hurts, and take regular drinks. A GP can advise on symptom relief and whether your symptoms need further assessment.

Plan shorter periods of activity with breaks, and prioritise sleep. Let school, work or household contacts know when fatigue limits what you can manage.

Seek review if symptoms return after improving, fatigue is severely limiting, or you are worried about your recovery.

Complications are uncommon but can include significant throat swelling, dehydration or spleen problems. Sudden or worsening abdominal pain, faintness, breathing difficulty or bleeding needs urgent medical assessment.

Do not share drinks, eating utensils, toothbrushes or lip products while unwell. Washing hands and cleaning commonly handled items can support everyday infection control.

A GP is an appropriate starting point for a persistent sore throat, swollen glands, fever or fatigue. They can arrange examination and blood testing, and direct you to further care if needed.