Glandular fever and university: What students and parents need to know
Ms Romana Kuchai, Consultant ENT Surgeon, explains why glandular fever is so common among university students and what to do if symptoms develop.
Starting university is an exciting chapter. For many students, it means moving away from home, making new friends, and embracing a new level of independence. However, it can also bring exposure to infections that are common among young adults, including glandular fever.
Ms Romana Kuchai, Consultant ENT Surgeon, explains why glandular fever is so common among university students and what to do if symptoms develop.
"Glandular fever is something we see frequently in teenagers and young adults," says Ms Kuchai, "Although most people recover fully, it can have a significant impact on a student's health, studies, and overall university experience, particularly because the fatigue can linger long after the initial infection has passed."
Understanding the symptoms and knowing when to seek medical advice can help students recover more quickly and reduce unnecessary worry for parents.
What is glandular fever?
"Glandular fever is usually caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, often referred to as EBV," explains Ms Kuchai. "It's an extremely common virus, and many people will come into contact with it during their lifetime."
The infection is most likely to cause symptoms when someone is infected as a teenager or young adult. While younger children may have very mild symptoms or none at all, older teenagers and university-aged adults can become significantly unwell.
"The good news is that glandular fever is rarely serious," says Ms Kuchai. "However, it can make people feel extremely tired and unwell for several weeks."
Why is glandular fever so common at university?
The nickname "the kissing disease" is often associated with glandular fever, but this description only tells part of the story.
"The virus spreads through saliva," explains Ms Kuchai. "Kissing is one route of transmission, but people can also pick it up through sharing drinks, cutlery, water bottles or anything that has been in contact with saliva."
University life can create the perfect environment for infections to spread.
"Students are suddenly living, studying, and socialising with large groups of people," she explains. "Many are sharing accommodation and communal spaces for the first time. This close contact means viruses such as Epstein-Barr can spread relatively easily."
Because the incubation period can be several weeks, students may not realise where or when they contracted the virus.
What are the symptoms of glandular fever?
One of the challenges with glandular fever is that symptoms can initially resemble other conditions, particularly tonsillitis or a severe viral sore throat.
"The classic symptoms are a severe sore throat, swollen glands in the neck, fever and overwhelming fatigue," says Ms Kuchai. "Patients can feel far more exhausted than they would with a typical cold or flu."
Common symptoms include:
- Persistent sore throat
- Swollen glands in the neck
- Fever
- Extreme tiredness
- Headaches
- Muscle aches
- Loss of appetite
"Some patients may also develop swollen tonsils that make swallowing difficult," adds Ms Kuchai. "In some cases, the spleen can become enlarged, which is something we monitor carefully."
For students, the fatigue can be particularly difficult to manage.
"Many young people try to push through because they don't want to miss lectures, social events, or sports activities," she says. "Unfortunately, that often makes recovery feel more difficult."
When should students seek medical advice?
Many cases of glandular fever improve with rest and supportive care, but medical assessment can be important, particularly if symptoms are severe.
"I would advise seeking medical attention if a sore throat is becoming increasingly painful, if swallowing is difficult, or if symptoms are not improving as expected," says Ms Kuchai.
Students should seek medical advice if they experience:
- Severe or worsening throat pain
- Difficulty swallowing fluids
- Breathing difficulties
- Persistent fever
- Significant swelling in the neck
- Severe abdominal pain
- Ongoing exhaustion that is affecting daily life
"As an ENT specialist I would do a clinical assessment and, where appropriate, blood tests can help confirm the diagnosis."
Why does the tiredness last so long?
The fatigue associated with glandular fever is often the symptom people remember most.
"Patients can become frustrated because the sore throat improves, but their energy levels remain low," says Ms Kuchai. "This is a recognised part of the illness."
While many people feel better within a few weeks, full recovery can take longer.
"In some cases, fatigue can last for several months," she explains. "That doesn't necessarily mean something is wrong. Recovery from glandular fever can simply be slower than many people expect."
This can be particularly challenging at university, where busy schedules and social commitments leave little room for rest.
What is the best treatment?
Because glandular fever is caused by a virus, antibiotics are generally not an effective treatment.
"The main focus is supporting the body while it recovers," says Ms Kuchai.
She recommends:
- Getting plenty of sleep
- Staying well hydrated
- Taking pain relief as advised by a healthcare professional
- Eating nutritious meals
- Gradually returning to normal activities
"One of the most important treatments is rest," she says. "University students are often juggling lectures, part-time work, and social activities, but recovery is usually better when the body is given sufficient time to heal."
Can students continue playing sport?
This is an important question, particularly for students involved in university sports.
"Glandular fever can sometimes cause the spleen to enlarge," explains Ms Kuchai. "Although complications are uncommon, an enlarged spleen is more vulnerable to injury."
As a result, strenuous exercise and contact sports may need to be avoided for a period of time.
"I would always recommend discussing a return to sport with your doctor," she says. "Returning too quickly may increase the risk of complications, particularly in contact sports such as rugby or hockey."
How can students reduce the risk of infection?
It is not always possible to prevent glandular fever, but sensible precautions can reduce the risk of spreading infections.
Ms Kuchai advises students to:
- Avoid sharing drinks and water bottles
- Avoid sharing cutlery or toothbrushes
- Wash hands regularly
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Stay at home and rest when feeling unwell
Advice for parents
For parents, it can be concerning when a child becomes ill shortly after moving away from home.
"Many students are living independently for the first time and may underestimate how unwell they are," says Ms Kuchai. "Parents should encourage them to seek medical advice if symptoms are persistent or severe, rather than trying to simply carry on."
She also recommends reassuring students that recovery takes time.
"There can be pressure to keep up academically and socially, but health comes first," she says. "Most students recover completely and go on to enjoy the full university experience."
Understanding glandular fever
"Glandular fever is a common infection among university students and one that can significantly affect energy levels and wellbeing," says Ms Kuchai. "The key is recognising the symptoms early, seeking medical advice when necessary and allowing the body the time it needs to recover."
For students preparing to start university and for parents supporting them from afar, understanding glandular fever can help ensure that a temporary illness does not become a longer-term setback.
