Can you get recurring glandular fever?
Once you have had glandular fever, it is unlikely you will develop it again. This is because people develop lifelong immunity after the initial infection.
How do you confirm glandular fever?
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and perform a physical examination. Glandular fever can be diagnosed with a simple blood test called a mono spot test, which tests for antibodies to the Epstein-Barr virus. However, the mono spot test may not detect the infection during the first week of the illness.
How long can you be a carrier of glandular fever?
The incubation period of glandular fever is about 4–7 weeks [Lennon, 2015]. The disease is contagious during the incubation period and while symptoms are present; some people may be contagious for as long as 18 months after having the infection.
How is glandular fever managed?
Glandular fever is also known as infectious mononucleosis. It is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. There is no specific treatment for glandular fever – affected individuals recover spontaneously (on their own, without treatment).
What are the symptoms of glandular fever in adults?
Glandular fever
- a very high temperature or you feel hot and shivery.
- a severe sore throat.
- swelling either side of your neck – swollen glands.
- extreme tiredness or exhaustion.
- tonsillitis that is not getting better.
What are the long term effects of glandular fever?
The majority of people with glandular fever will have few, if any, long-term complications other than fatigue. However, glandular fever can be associated with a number of acute complications, including haematological and neurological complications, hepatitis, splenic rupture and upper airway obstruction.
Do you lose weight with glandular fever?
Infectious mononucleosis, or glandular fever, is a viral illness which commonly affects young adults. Symptoms can vary from sore throat, enlarged lymph glands, lethargy and weight loss to more serious clinical manifestations such as myocarditis or hepatitis.
How easily does glandular fever spread?
Glandular fever is spread from person-to-person through contact with saliva. Young children may be infected by saliva on the hands of care givers or by sucking and sharing toys, but the virus does not survive very well in the environment. Kissing results in spread among young adults.
How contagious is glandular fever in adults?
It takes 4 to 6 weeks from the time of infection for glandular fever to develop. A person with glandular fever is contagious for months after the infection, so it is important for them to follow good hygiene so others do not get infected.
Can you get glandular fever in your 50s?
It is rare to have a presentation of glandular fever in those over the age of 40 and glandular fever in this age group may present without a sore throat or lymphadenopathy. Older adults are less likely to have splenomegaly.
Does glandular fever make you lose weight?
What foods should you avoid if you have glandular fever?
Sugary and processed foods will trigger inflammation in the body, worsening symptoms such as a sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue and liver inflammation. High carbohydrate foods (sugar and processed wheat) can also cause your blood sugar to fluctuate, leaving you tired, grumpy and craving sugar.
