Flu season is not yet over and many people are stuck at home, battling a fever. But flu is not always the cause. In the case of children and young people in particular, it could also be glandular fever that's confining them to their beds.
Glandular fever (also known as kissing disease, mononucleosis or simply mono) is an infectious disease that's triggered by the Epstein-Barr virus. The virus is spread by droplets that are released into the air through coughing, sneezing or speaking and are then inhaled by others.
Children and young adults are particularly susceptible, although the illness tends to be mild in children and often goes completely undiagnosed. The older the infected person, the more severe the symptoms can be.
What are the symptoms?
People who get glandular fever will initially experience flu-like symptoms:
Fever
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
Sore throat
Enlarged tonsils with exudate
Headache and aching limbs
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Over time, they may develop a temperature and the lymph nodes may become even more swollen. However, one symptom that is particularly pronounced is fatigue. This often persists long after the illness has passed, leaving those affected unable to return to full health and capacity for a lengthy period.
What should I do if I fall ill?
Particularly in the early stages, glandular fever is often mistaken for strep throat. If antibiotics are then prescribed for the throat symptoms, a skin rash can develop. To avoid this, it's worth going to a medical specialist or an emergency centre for a rapid test to diagnose glandular fever.
Unfortunately, there are no specific drugs for glandular fever, but over-the-counter medication can be used to relieve pain and reduce the fever. Cool calf compresses can help bring a high temperature down. What always helps is rest, plenty of sleep and drinking lots of water.
Prevent a ruptured spleen by avoiding exercise
The illness can cause significant swelling of the spleen. To prevent a dangerous splenic rupture, you're advised to avoid all forms of contact sports for several weeks after the illness.
The illness may flare up again
Glandular fever usually lasts no longer than two to three weeks and once you've had the virus, you'll be immune for the rest of your life. However, the pathogen remains in the body and may reactivate if the immune system is severely weakened, although the disease then usually progresses without symptoms or is much less severe.
It can take a long time for the body to make a full recovery. It requires a lot of patience, particularly if you find you're often tired or that you quickly run out of energy even months after the illness. Remember: chin up. Your patience will pay off in the end.
