Glandular fever
Tuesday June 24 2008
Glandular fever can affect people in different ways. Some people have no symptoms or a very mild infection, similar to the common cold, which clears up within a few days.
Others may develop symptoms such as a sore throat, enlarged lymph nodes (glands), fever or, headache, or experience more serious symptoms such as extreme fatigue, loss of appetite, an enlarged spleen and night sweats.
Glandular fever is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, and is otherwise known as infectious mononucleosis. It is an immunological condition triggered when a type of white blood cell called lymphocytes are infected by this virus.
It is usually spread from person to person in saliva. Kissing is a well recognised way of spreading glandular fever, or it may be spread in droplets of saliva from contact with someone when they cough or sneeze.
It is very rare for someone to become re-infected with it. Fatigue is generally worse two to three weeks after symptoms develop, and it may last six weeks or longer. It can be severe enough to interfere with a person's ability to do normal daily activities. This is why it is essential that you allow yourself enough time to recover.
There is no cure for glandular fever. Instead treatment focuses on reducing symptoms until the infection goes away on its own. Bed rest is vital to make a good recovery; this allows the body to fight off the infection.
Stress may delay the recovery period. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen will help reduce fever and relieve inflammation and aches/pains.
Antibiotics are not needed, unless a secondary bacterial infection like pneumonia develops, but Ampicillin should be avoided. Complications are rare.
Homeopathic remedies may help, for example Gelsenium 30c taken twice a day. However it is best to see a homeopathic practitioner for a complete evaluation.
Most people make a complete recovery with no long-term problems. Anyone who has been diagnosed with glandular fever should not donate blood for at least six months afterwards.
- Niamh Houston GP
