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.
All pages in this article:
Share this article
- Comment (5)
- Send to a friend
- Print: Article | Page
Horis karloff, about 1 month [Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment.]
I had Glandular fever at the age of 41, This is how it started. I was working for a couple weeks with what I thought was a bad cold/flu. Then on my day off I felt really hot but in cold weather, I knew i had a fever. My girlfreind gave me a spicy meal of which burnd my throat. She gave me a hot bath but I allmost passed out. my urin was brown and eyes gone yellow. It was found my liver was inflamed with hepatitis a result of the fever. We both went to the Royal free Hospital in hampstead and there they diagnosed Glandular Fever. I was in hospital for 6 days on a drip for dehydration and anti-biotics. Be careful who you kiss, my girlfriend was Nigerian and may have had it.