How contagious is Glandular fever?
Glandular fever is contagious but not as contagious as, say, a cold. There are two viruses that cause it — cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) but EBV is the more common cause. EBV is carried in saliva so I can understand your concern. Small droplets of saliva and/or mucus can remain suspended in the air and can be inhaled by others. And the virus can be transmitted by sharing food, drink or utensils contaminated with saliva. The incubation period is 4-6 weeks but your sister was contagious before she even developed her first symptoms. You may have had contact with her during this time. Most adults, perhaps 90%, already carry EBV and most children have been exposed by the age of 10. Most people who have been exposed and now carry EBV never develop glandular fever. Perhaps this will be the case with you. At any rate, if you develop symptoms, you’ll have your answer.
