Kissing, exposure to coughs and sneezes and sharing cups and cutlery are the most common ways EBV is spread. The contagious period can last for around two months. Most glandular fever symptoms last for around four to six weeks if left untreated. Many patients can still experience fatigue for around six months. After contracting glandular fever a patient is unlikely to be infected again as the body develops a life-long immunity
In rare cases glandular fever can cause a swollen spleen, which requires emergency surgery. Other complications include secondary infections, the most serious of which are pneumonia, meningitis and inflammation of the heart
There is no cure but treatments for controlling the symptoms include rest, drinking plenty of water, taking painkillers such as paracetamol to relieve the fever and gargling salt water to combat sore throat
15-25 is the key age range for contracting glandular fever
22% can experience fatigue for six months afterwards
50% of teenagers who get EBV develop glandular fever
Source: NHS Choices
