Glandular Fever: Recognizing Early Symptoms & Understanding Infectious Mononucleosis

Infectious mononucleosis, also known as a glandular fever, is a viral infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. While not as contagious as other infections, it can be easily contracted by coming into contact with the saliva of an infected individual, such as sharing a drinking glass, inhaling microscopic droplets from a cough or sneeze and, of course, kissing. After exposure, it may take a while to manifest symptoms, anywhere from four to eight weeks.

Fatigue

• The first thing you may notice when dealing with a glandular fever is an almost unexplained sense of fatigue or exhaustion that can be accompanied by some muscle weakness.

Sore Throat

• Soon after the fatigue has set in, you may start to develop a sore throat which is far more enduring than your "average" sore throat.

Swelling

• From there, you may begin to notice some swelling to the glands of your neck as well as those found under your arms.

Fever

• With this swelling, another early symptom is the development of a fever, running anywhere over 99 degrees Fahrenheit.

Headache and Loss of Appetite

• This may lead to two other early symptoms of the condition, which are mild-to-moderate headaches and a loss of appetite.