…commonly known as glandular fever. It is also known as “the kissing disease”, “Pfeiffer’s disease” and “mono”.

Symptoms

The vast majority of cases of glandular fever are caused by a virus called the Epstein-Barr virus (or EBV). Many people are exposed to this virus and have no symptoms. Younger children tend to have a mild, cold-like illness. In adults, the virus tends to be more severe and prolonged. It generally starts with fatigue/drowsiness, malaise, headache and sore throat. Ensuing symptoms like fever, enlarged, swollen and frequently painful lymph nodes, and a sore throat, often with whitish-yellow patches covering the back of the throat subsequently occur. Other symptoms can include depression or loss of appetite, muscle aches or fatigue, a dry cough, dizziness, swelling around the eyes, chest pain, shortness of breath and shaking.

Read more about infectious mononucleosis (glandular fever) in the factsheet for the general public.