*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or view any of our Previous A to Z Features.

You should also know that OutUK has produced a special report about: Coronavirus Covid-19.

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This Week - G : Glandular Fever

Glandular fever is a viral infection that mostly affects teenagers and young adults. It gets better without treatment, but it can last for weeks and make you feel very ill.

Check if it's glandular fever

Glandular fever is most common in people aged 15 to 24 years old.

Symptoms of glandular fever may include:

high temperature
swollen glands, which may be in the neck, head, armpits, elbows, or groin
sore throat
a rash, which may be harder to see on black or brown skin
headache
tiredness

See a GP if you have:

a very high temperature or you feel hot and shivery
a severe sore throat
swelling either side of your neck - swollen glands
extreme tiredness or exhaustion
a sore throat that's not getting better

Call NHS 111 if you have:

difficulty breathing - you may be more short of breath than usual
difficulty and pain when swallowing

Call 999 if you:

cannot swallow, including your own spit (saliva)
have severe difficulty breathing - you're gasping, choking or not able to get words out
have severe stomach pain

Find your nearest A&E

How to treat glandular fever yourself

Glandular fever should get better by itself, and you should start to feel better within 2 to 4 weeks.

There are some things you can do to help ease the symptoms.

Do

rest
drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration - drink small sips frequently if it's painful to swallow
take painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen (do not give aspirin to children under 16 years old)

Don't

do not do strenuous activities like heavy lifting or playing sports

Video: Self-care for glandular fever

This video explains how to treat glandular fever yourself.

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Media last reviewed: 1 June 2023
Media review due: 1 June 2026

How to stop glandular fever spreading

Glandular fever is spread through spit, so you can get it through kissing or by sharing cups or cutlery.

You're infectious for up to 7 weeks before you get symptoms, and you may be infectious for several months after being unwell.

You can go back to work or school as soon as you start to feel better.

To prevent glandular fever spreading:

Do

wash your hands regularly
wash anything that may have your spit on it

Don't

do not kiss others
do not share cups or cutlery
do not give blood

What happens at your GP appointment

A GP may order a blood test to confirm if you have glandular fever and to rule out other illnesses, like tonsillitis. The blood test will test for the Epstein-Barr virus, which usually causes glandular fever.

The GP will not give you antibiotics. Glandular fever is caused by a virus so antibiotics will not work.

Glandular fever complications

Most people get better with no problems. But sometimes glandular fever may lead to other problems like:

liver conditions, such as hepatitis
heart problems, such as inflammation of the heart
kidney problems
blood conditions, such as low levels of blood cells called platelets (thrombocytopenia) or sepsis
neurological conditions, such as Guillain-Barre syndrome or Bell's palsy
a ruptured (burst) spleen
long-term tiredness (chronic fatigue) which may last for several months

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We'll have more information and advice next week on another topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this week's subject you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
Photos: LightFieldStudios and one of VladOrlov, Stockcube, darak77, ajr_images or rawpixel.com.