Glandular fever is another name for an infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). The most well-known of the various names for the infection is mononucleosis. Because people develop antibodies as they grow older to defend against the virus, it's most commonly seen in young people.
Kissing
Glandular fever is known as the kissing disease for good reason. When you kiss someone, there is a natural exchange of saliva. If the person you are kissing has the EBV virus and you don't have the antibodies built up to fight it, you will get the virus. But kissing isn't the only way to get the disease.
Coughing and Sneezing
Because the EBV virus is spread through saliva, being too close to someone when they sneeze or cough and don't cover their mouth, the particles are emitted in to the air and this can cause someone to get glandular fever. Secondary transmission can also occur if you then shake the hand or touch someone where the EBV particles have come to rest. Of course this can be avoided if you wash your hands in warm, soapy water.
Utensils
Using someone else's fork or spoon may seem like no big deal, but if that other person has the EBV virus and you haven't built up the immunity to it, it could be. Saliva can be virtually undetectable on a utensil, but once ingested, it can give you glandular fever.
