A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P R S T U V W

GLANDULAR FEVER

What is Glandular Fever ?

Infectious mononucleosis is more commonly known as glandular fever. It is an infectious illness caused by a the Ebstein-Barr virus (EBV for short). Typically, it starts with a headache and fatigue, followed by fever, sore throat and enlarged lymph glands (the glands which fight infection). These can be felt as lumps in the neck, armpits and groins. They are usually tender. Sometimes the liver and spleen become enlarged and this can cause discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen. The diagnosis can be confirmed by a blood test. If the only symptoms are sore throat and fever, the illness may easily be mistaken for a case of tonsillitis. Antibiotics are therefore often given mistakenly, and the diagnosis of glandular fever only susopected when the symptoms fail to improve rapidly. The name infectious mononucleosis rtefers to the fact that there are increased numbers of « mononuclear » cells in the blood. These cells are in fact lymphocytes, a type of white cell which is used by the body to fight viral infections.

How does Glandular Fever occur ?

The virus is spread from person to person in the same way as influenza, in fluid from the nose and mouth. It is most common during the teenage years and is sometimes called the kissing disease! The time between catching it and the first symptom (the incubation period) is between 30 and 50 days.

Why does Glandular Fever occur ?

There is no special reason why you caught glandular fever. It is a common infection and over half the adult population of this country have had it. Once recovered, people are immune and cannot catch it again.

Treatment Involved for Glandular Fever

As with most virus infections, there is no specific treatment. Treatment is used to relieve symptoms. Paracetamol will help the sore throat and aching in the muscles and bring down the temperature. Antibiotics may have been prescribed initially because of the sore throat but do not help the condition, since they are not effective against viruses. Therefore once the diagnosis of glandular fever has been made antibiotics are not usually prescribed. However, sometimes other germs can infect the throat when glandular fever occurs. The doctor may do a throat swab on you to check on this. If other germs are present then antibiotics may be given. Sometimes the throat may become very swollen and drugs may be needed to reduce the swelling.

During Treatment for Glandular Fever

You can expect to start feeling better after a week or two. The sore throat and the enlarged lymph glands will get better. Complications are very rare. These can include anaemia or jaundice. If you develop any new symptoms the doctor should be told. Some patients get a faint red rash over the trunk early in the disorder.

After Treatment for Glandular Fever

You may well feel more tired than usual for some time after the infection itself seems to have cleared up. This is a problem which can occur after many virus infections but seems to be a particular problem after glandular fever. Get plenty of rest; strength will be regained in due course, and you should be back to normal within a month or so.

If Glandular Fever is Left Untreated

Glandular fever will get better on its own whether any treatment is given or not. As explained above, there is no specific anti-virus treatment.

Effects on Family of Glandular Fever

Glandular fever is an infectious illness and so can be passed on to family and friends. The time when you are most infectious occurs while incubating the disease. In other words, by the time you become ill, the most infectious period is already over. Other people should not be too worried about catching it as it is likely that they will be exposed to it anyway at some time.