How does glandular fever spread

For more information, see Laboratory Testing. There is no vaccine to protect against EBV infection. You can help protect yourself by not kissing or sharing drinks, food, or personal items, like toothbrushes, with people who have EBV infection. There is no specific treatment for EBV. However, some things can be done to help relieve symptoms, including. Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link. Epstein-Barr Virus and Infectious Mononucleosis.

Section Navigation. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate. Minus Related Pages. Back to Health A to Z. Glandular fever mostly affects teenagers and young adults. It gets better without treatment, but it can make you feel very ill and last for weeks. The GP might order a blood test to confirm it's glandular fever and to rule out other illnesses, like tonsillitis.

This will test for the Epstein-Barr virus, which causes glandular fever. They include :. Also, due to the possibility of spleen damage, it might be a good idea to avoid contact sports, such as football, for 8 weeks after having glandular fever.

Most people feel better within 2—4 weeks , but fatigue may persist for several months. Most people make a full recovery.

Thermoregulation is how the body maintains a steady internal temperature, which is essential for keeping it healthy. Learn more here. A febrile seizure can occur in a young child when their body temperature suddenly rises, usually as a result of infection or inflammation. Learn more…. Several conditions, such as the flu, may cause chills with a fever. Learn more about chills with a fever here. Fever in toddlers normally resolves without treatment.

However, some situations warrant medical attention. Learn more about when to seek help here. Ear thermometers take a person's temperature using an infrared sensor. Learn more about their accuracy, how to use them, and alternative methods here. Glandular fever: What to know. Medically reviewed by Dr. Share on Pinterest A person with glandular fever may experience flu-like symptoms. Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals.

Costs associated with obesity may account for 3. Related Coverage. What is thermoregulation, and how does it work? Other clinical features include:. 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 Epstein-Barr virus at some point in their lives, but not all develop symptoms of glandular fever.

Up to 50 per cent of people who are infected with the Epstein-Barr virus will develop symptoms. Glandular fever spreads through close, personal contact and is transmitted by saliva. 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. Excretion of the virus from the pharynx throat can occur for months, or even longer, after infection.

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:.