Glandular fever is a highly contagious illness also known as mononucleosis, or mono. Mononucleosis is also sometimes called the "kissing disease," because it is transmitted by saliva, but it can also be spread by sharing utensils and drinking glasses and through coughing and sneezing. According to Medical News Today, a person infected with glandular fever remains contagious for two months following illness. The incubation period in children is between four and seven days, and the incubation period for adults is 10 to 60 days.
Step 1
See your doctor for a blood test. The only certain way to diagnose glandular fever, or mononucleosis, is by blood tests. Glandular fever may be caused by several viruses, including Epstein-Barr, cytomegalovirus and rubella. According to MamasHealth.com, glandular fever causes an increase in white blood cells and antibody levels.
Step 2
Identify your symptoms. Although blood tests are the only way to conclusively diagnose glandular fever, certain symptoms are strongly indicative that the virus is present. The most common symptoms resemble those of the flu, such as fever, headaches, extreme fatigue and body aches. Other common symptoms of glandular fever include nausea, swollen glands, sore throat, skin rash and loss of appetite.
Step 3
Check for complications or signs of worsening illness. Glandular fever can be associated with swollen organs, especially the spleen. This can present as tenderness under the ribs on the upper left side of the abdomen. Liver inflammation also causes jaundice and hepatitis, which clears up after recovery from glandular fever.
