What is the kissing disease?

What’s often called the ‘kissing disease’ is actually a condition called glandular fever (Infectious mononucleosis).

It’s caused by the Epstein-Bar Virus (EBV) and is spread from one person to another through saliva, so through kissing, or coughing and sneezing and sharing cups and unwashed forks and spoons with someone who’s infected.

The main symptoms of glandular fever include sore throat, fatigue and swollen glands.

Usually people recover from glandular fever and feel back to normal within a month or so. But a small number can experience fatigue for a number of months after contracting the virus. However, whether you’re floored with it for months or weeks you can still be contagious after two months – even if you’re feeling better and the symptoms have gone.

But the good news is once you’ve had glandular fever you’re unlikely to get it again, as the body develops a life-long immunity against it.

You can read more about glandular fever in our article here.