Recovery depends on your own immune system manufacturing antibodies to the virus. It is a good idea to rest, sometimes at home for 2-4 weeks if the symptoms are severe. Do not drink alcohol until you are better, as glandular fever often affects the liver. There is no specific drug treatment for glandular fever, although Panadol may help if you have a high temperature or sore throat. If there is a secondary bacterial infection, antibiotics may be prescribed.
Most people recover in a few weeks or months.
Your immunity to other infections may be lowered for a couple of months following an attack of glandular fever. It is not as infectious as many other infectious diseases. You are unlikely to catch it by being in the same room with a person who has glandular fever. Partners only need to be checked if showing any symptoms. This site is designed to provide information about health services at the University of Sydney and is for educational purposes only.