Glandular fever
goodtoknow says: Glandular fever is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus and is often known as 'the kissing disease' because it can be passed from one person to another in saliva. Glandular fever is most likely to affect teenagers and young people and is highly contagious, spreading through close contact not just kissing. Symptoms include a very sore throat, swollen glands, high temperature and extreme tiredness. Drink plenty of fluids, even if swallowing is difficult, and take painkillers. Most people make a complete recovery from glandular fever within a few weeks, although they may feel tired for a little longer.
For a full medical explanation of the causes, symptoms and treatments of glandular fever (infectious mononucleosis) from patient.co.uk, read on.
Infectious Mononucleosis
Infectious mononucleosis is commonly known as glandular fever. It is caused by a virus (the Epstein-Barr virus). Although it can make you feel quite ill, full recovery is usual. Do not play rough or contact sports such as rugby for eight weeks after having glandular fever (see why below).
Who gets glandular fever?
It can affect people of any age, but is most common in young adults and teenagers. The virus is contagious and can be passed on to others by close contact. The immune system makes antibodies during the infection. These clear the virus and then provide lifelong immunity. Therefore, it is rare to have more than one bout of glandular fever.
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hannah =], about 1 year
heyy i have glandular fever at the moment. its terribly painfull and i get very tired. but my school is very understanding about this as i am only 13. i dont do full days at school because of the tiredness, i only do three lessons instead of 5! wich is very helpfull and if i dnt feel up to goin to the lesson i get to go to this place were it is very relaxing for me. so that i dnt get to much pain over this i take paracetomol and nurofen, it really helps and i strongly recomend it. And drink lots of water. i have found that drinking stuff with cafeen in and citrus fruits sets of my head achs off, so i avoid them.. i hope i have helped!
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jilly henderson, about 1 year
While this is all good information, here is a real life account of the disease http://richelectron.blogspot.com/2008/04/overcoming-glandular-fever.html and some guidance to help get through it...
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