No treatment is needed if symptoms are mild. Treatments that may help if symptoms are troublesome are listed below. Most people make a complete recovery in a couple of weeks, with perhaps a lingering tiredness lasting another week or so.

• Have lots to drink. It is tempting not to drink very much if swallowing is painful. This may lead to mild dehydration, particularly if you also a fever. Mild dehydration can make headaches and tiredness much worse.
• Take paracetamol or ibuprofen to ease pain, headache, and fever. It can be given to children as a medicine (such as Calpol, Disprol etc). Paracetamol is also available as dissolvable tablets.
• Antibiotics are occasionally prescribed. Glandular fever is due to a virus, and antibiotics do not kill viruses. However, some people develop a secondary bacterial infection on the inflamed tonsils. Antibiotics may then help.
• Steroids. It is uncommon to need these. Steroid tablets (such as prednisolone) reduce inflammation. If the inflammation in the throat is severe it can cause difficulty with swallowing. A short course of steroids may be prescribed to help reduce the inflammation.

General advice

To prevent spread, avoid kissing and close body contact with other people whilst you are ill. Don't share cups, towels, etc, whilst you are ill. Don't play rough or contact sports for eight weeks. See a doctor if any unusual, severe, or unexplained symptoms develop.
The vast majority of people with glandular fever can expect a full recovery. It is very rare to have it again.

© EMIS and PIP 2006 Updated: June 2006

Where next?

- More tips on coping with glandular fever
- Teens and sex: the facts
- How to talk to your teen about sex and relationships
- Worried about your teen? Share your experiences in Chat

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