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.

How is glandular fever diagnosed?

The symptoms caused by glandular fever are similar to symptoms due to various other viruses. Therefore, it can be difficult to diagnose glandular fever just by a doctor examining you. So, a blood test is commonly done that can detect a particular antibody and confirm if you have glandular fever. If your blood test is negative but your doctor suspects you have glandular fever then you may have your blood test repeated a few weeks later.

Who gets glandular fever?

Glandular fever can affect people of any age, but is most common in young adults and teenagers. The immune system makes antibodies during the infection. This then usually provides lifelong immunity. This means that it is rare to have more than one episode of glandular fever.