Glandular fever

Glandular fever (or kissing disease) is the common term used to describe an acute viral infection called infectious mononucleosis. The virus that causes glandular fever is known as Epstein-Barr virus. Glandular fever mainly affects young adults. A chronic form of glandular fever is one of the suggested causes of chronic fatigue syndrome.

Fever and sore throat

Fever and sore throat with exudate (deposits of fluid) around the tonsils and pharynx are typical symptoms. Other clinical features are:

• Enlarged lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy)
• Enlargement of the spleen (splenomegaly) – this occurs in 50 per cent of cases
• Jaundice (yellow discolourations of the skin and eyes) – this affects approximately four per cent of people with glandular fever.

The symptoms usually develop four to six weeks after infection with the virus. In young children, glandular fever usually causes mild or no symptoms.

Most people are infected with glandular fever at some time in their lives.

Spread by close contact

Glandular fever spreads through close, personal contact and is transmitted by saliva. About 50 per cent of people who are infected with the Epstein-Barr virus will develop symptoms. It is most common among high school and university aged students, but young children can also become infected by saliva on toys, shared cups or the hands of carers.

Blood tests confirm the diagnosis

If you think you have glandular fever, blood tests can show whether you have the infection.

You can remain infectious for over a year

Excretion of the virus from the pharynx (throat) can occur for months, or even longer, after infection. Some healthy adults can become long-term carriers.

Excluding children from childcare is generally not advised because:

• Most people are infected by asymptomatic (show no symptoms) carriers.
• It would be impractical as the virus is excreted for many months after the initial illness.

No specific treatment

There is no specific treatment for glandular fever. You will not have to be isolated from other people. Once you have had glandular fever you will develop a high resistance to further infection. However, if your immune system is weak, the virus may be reactivated.

You cannot be immunised against glandular fever

To prevent the spread of glandular fever:

• Ensure proper hygiene, including handwashing.
• Avoid sharing drink containers.
• Disinfect articles soiled with nose and throat discharges, for example handkerchiefs.

Where to get help

• Your doctor
• Nurse-on-Call Tel. 1300 60 60 24 – for expert health information and advice (24 hours, 7 days)

Things to remember

• Glandular fever (‘kissing disease’) is also known as infectious mononucleosis.
• The Epstein-Barr virus causes glandular fever.
• Healthy adults can become long-term carriers of the virus.

You might also be interested in:

• Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).
  
• Infections - bacterial and viral.
  
• Kissing and your health.
  
• Lymphatic system.
  
• Spleen.
  
• Splenomegaly.
  

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Fact sheet currently being reviewed.
Last reviewed: April 2011

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<a href="http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Glandular_fever?open">Glandular fever - Better Health Channel</a><br/>
Glandular fever (or kissing disease) is the common term used to describe a viral infection called infectious mononucleosis. The virus that causes glandular fever is known as Epstein-Barr virus. Glandular fever most commonly affects young adults and leads to fever, sore throat and swollen lymph nodes. There is no treatment and patients are encouraged to rest.

Content on this website is provided for education and information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your qualified health professional. Content has been prepared for Victorian residence and wider Australian audiences, and was accurate at the time of publication. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users are urged to always seek advice from a qualified health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.

For the latest updates and more information, visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au

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