Complications and unusual symptoms
Most people with glandular fever do not have complications or rare symptoms. For completeness they are mentioned here.
- Damaged spleen. This is serious, but rare. A swollen spleen is more delicate than normal. A damaged spleen may occur if the left side of the chest or abdomen is injured, for example, after a fall. The spleen normally settles down to its normal size after about 6-8 weeks. Therefore, do not play rough or contact sports such as rugby for eight weeks after having glandular fever.
- Rash. A widespread, non-itchy, red rash occurs in some people with glandular fever. This usually fades quickly.
- Jaundice. Mild inflammation of the liver sometimes occurs causing mild jaundice (yellowing of the skin). This is not serious and quickly goes.
- Malaise and depression. It is common to feel tired and low for the duration of the illness, and for a week or so afterwards. However, it is commonly believed that the depression and tiredness will last much longer. This is not true in most cases, but some people develop 'post viral fatigue' for variable periods. This usually clears in time. But about 3 in 20 people still have fatigue (tiredness) 6 months after the initial illness.
- Nerve damage. Inflammation and damage to nerves or the brain is very rare.
- Read more: How do you treat it?
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gemma, about 1 year
hi my names gemma and im 17. i have had a bad infection in my throught and has caused bad pains in my mouth, i had penacilin from the hospital and eventually cleared up, but after 2 days of finishing it, it came back and had the same symptoms, the doctor said i still had an infection so i went back on penacillin. i finished that and then yet again it came back worse and had thrush in my mouth i have had medication to clear it up but now i am feeling ill and continiously tired, my glands are swolen and very painfull and have no energy, and also having mild pains on the left side under my rib. I went back to the doctor today and they have said i have glandular fever. i have missed 3 weeks off college and yet missing another week. When i started to feel unwell i was constantly falling asleep during lessons in college! is too much sleep bad for me? Can gandular fever lead into any other illneses? as i am a big worrier!.. any advice would be appreaciated! thankyou.
Report this commentvalerie folkes, over 2 years
My daughter was diagnosed with glandular fever two weeks ago and was at that time very poorly. She now sleeps most of the day and seems a little better in the evenings. How long should this pattern go on for as she is desperate to get back to school and be with her friends. Should we interrupt this pattern and try school for half days and when do we know the contagious time is over? Any advice greatly appreciated as up to now conflicting information is confusing.
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Abi, about 1 year
My niece has just been diagnosed with glandular fever. I am 16 weeks preganant. Will it have any affect on my unborn child if am I in contact wih my nice i.e should I keep my distance and for how long?
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