Inflammation of the nervous system, including the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord (meningitis), the nerves ( Guillain-Barre syndrome), and the brain itself (encephalitis).Inflammation of the sac that surrounds the heart (pericarditis).Inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis).Impaired breathing caused by swollen tonsils.In some cases, however, glandular fever can lead to complications that affect other body systems. Most people with glandular fever recover in two to three weeks. As glandular fever can also cause inflammation of the liver, it is important to avoid alcohol while the condition is present. For this reason, it is recommended that strenuous activity and exercise, particularly contact sports, be avoided for at least four weeks after the first symptoms appear, or until the spleen returns to a normal size. Antibiotics may be prescribed in these cases in order to combat the bacteria.Īn enlarged spleen can be easily damaged. Occasionally the sore throat present with glandular fever can be associated with strep throat, caused by streptococcal bacteria. In severe cases, corticosteroid medication (eg: prednisone) may be prescribed to reduce pain and swelling of the lymph nodes. Pain and discomfort can usually be adequately treated with over-the-counter pain relief medication such as paracetamol. Getting plenty of rest and drinking lots of fluid (especially water) is very important during recovery. It is considered to be a self-limiting infection that resolves with time. Treatment and recoveryĪs glandular fever is caused by a virus there is no specific treatment and antibiotics are of no benefit. In some cases, the doctor may take blood tests to check for the presence of the Epstein-Barr virus or to rule out less common but more serious causes of the symptoms, such as hepatitis B or hepatitis C virus infection. Redness of the throat and swelling of the tonsilsĪs these symptoms are so characteristic of glandular fever they are usually sufficient to make a diagnosis.This will include an assessment of whether there is: The doctor will discuss your symptoms and will perform a physical examination. A sharp pain in the left side of the upper abdomen may indicate a ruptured spleen and medical attention should be sought immediately. An enlarged spleen is not an immediate health problem but there is a small risk of it rupturing (bursting). The spleen is swollen in about 50% of cases. Jaundice occurs rarely and, when it does, it generally only lasts 1-2 days. In a small percentage of cases a blotchy red rash can occur. Glandular fever can make you feel very tired, and this is usually the last symptom to go away. Swollen glands in the neck, armpits and/or groin.Sore, reddened throat with enlarged tonsils.These symptoms are usually followed 2-3 days later by: It is possible for symptoms to persist for several weeks and even for several months. The older the person when they develop glandular fever, the more severe the symptoms are likely to be. Symptoms are generally less severe in young children, who may have either no symptoms or only a mild flu-like illness. However, the severity and duration of symptoms can vary considerably between individuals. Symptoms are generally at their worst about a week after they first appear and most symptoms will have resolved within three weeks. The first signs and symptoms of glandular fever may not appear until four to eight weeks after exposure to the virus. If it does, it is usually in the first year following the initial infection. However, it is possible for the condition to recur. Infection with the virus is usually sufficient to provide long-term immunity from the condition. Most people will be exposed to the Epstein-Barr virus, and will have developed some degree of immunity to it, by the time they reach adulthood.Īfter an episode of glandular fever, the Epstein-Barr virus remains in the cells of the body for life. Glandular fever is caused by infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which is a member of the herpes virus family. Studies suggest the infection occurs slightly more often in males than in females. However, it most commonly occurs in teenagers and young adults. It causes symptoms similar to influenza (the flu) that vary in severity and can persist for several weeks or longer.Īlmost anyone, at any age, can catch glandular fever. Glandular fever Glandular fever (infectious mononucleosis or “mono”) is an infectious disease that is spread by close person-to-person contact. Treatment will focus on reducing the severity of symptoms. The main symptoms are fever, sore throat, tiredness, and swollen glands. Glandular fever is a illness that mainly affects teenagers and young adults and which persists for several weeks.
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