GLANDULAR FEVER (INFECTIOUS MONONUCLEOSIS)
What is it?
Glandular fever (also called mononucleosis) is a viral illness caused by the Epstein-Barr virus,
which is a member of the herpes virus family.
What are the symptoms?
The usual symptoms are tiredness, fever and sore throat and swollen tender glands, particularly
in the neck but also in the armpit and groin. Rarely the infected person may be jaundiced. Older
students may have little energy or stamina following the acute illness phase. The individual may
take several weeks or months to fully recover.
How is it spread?
Glandular fever is spread through saliva by the coughs of people with the infection, or by kissing it is sometimes known as the "kissing disease". Infected persons may shed virus for a year or
more (average 5 months).
How can it be prevented?
There is no specific treatment for glandular fever and there is no immunisation against it. Good
standards of personal hygiene, and reduced exposure to saliva can help prevent spread.
Should ill students/ staff stay away from university?
Students with the clinical illness should stay off school until they feel well again.
There is no specific exclusion period since those infected can remain infectious for a year or
more.
All other students and staff should go to university as normal.