Glandular fever, or infectious mononucleosis, is common among teens, adults, and college students. Other symptoms include fever, sore throat, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes.
Glandular fever is usually caused by an infection with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a highly contagious herpes virus.
Experts believe that more than 90% of the world's population suffers from EBV infections. However, it does not always cause symptoms or lead to glandular fever.
There is no cure for the common cold, which often goes unnoticed. However, fatigue can last a long time.
Cytomegalovirus and rubella infections, also known as German measles, can also cause fever, while toxoplasmosis, an eating disorder, can also cause similar symptoms.
Symptoms
A person with glandular fever may have flu-like symptoms.
When a person has a rare fever, the symptoms usually appear 4-6 weeks after the first infection.
One can find:
symptoms such as fever, including body aches and headaches
temperature 100.4 ° F (38 ° C) or higher
widespread rash that is not bitten
nausea and loss of appetite
illness, fatigue, exhaustion and weakness
swelling and swelling around the eyes
sore throat
inflammation of the lymph nodes
pain in the upper abdomen, due to swollen testicles
liver pain and jaundice
Symptoms are usually resolved within 2-4 weeks, or fatigue may last a few weeks. Some people have symptoms for six months or more.
Some people have EBV but no symptoms. This is most common in young children and in people over 40 years of age.
Throat
The pain may be mild, but it is usually severe and appears as redness and swelling, such as tonsilitis. Swallowing is often painful.
If what appears to be severe tonsillitis lasts longer than usual, the person may develop glandular fever.
Lymph nodes and spleen
As the immune system fights the virus, the lymph nodes become inflamed. Inflammation can occur in any lymph node, but those in the neck and armpits are often more pronounced. They may be soft.
The spleen is part of the immune system, and it resides under the ribs on the left side of the abdomen.
The spleen can also become inflamed as the body fights the virus, and a person can feel it under his ribs. Inflammation can cause mild pain in the upper left side of the abdomen.
Courage
In rare cases, EBV can cause mild inflammation of the liver, known as hepatitis. It is most common in people over 30 years of age.
Symptoms of hepatitis include:
jaundice, yellowing of the skin and eyes
intolerance to alcohol
anorexia
nausea
Jaundice and hepatitis should disappear as a person recovers from a rare fever.
Treatment
There is no cure for glandular fever, and some people have symptoms for six months or more.
However, with or without treatment, most people find that their symptoms go away within 2-4 weeks, or that fatigue may persist for a long time. In fact, studies have found that 9-22% of people continue to get tired for six months after getting infected.
One can take the following steps to help the body heal:
Take a break
A person with glandular fever often feels very tired and unwell to continue their normal routine, but complete rest is important, especially in the first month after the onset of symptoms.
As a person recovers, a little exercise can help him regain muscle strength.
Drink plenty of fluids
This will help prevent dehydration, especially if there is a cold.
A sore throat can make it harder to swallow, but it is important to use enough fluids.
Painkillers
Painkillers, such as ibuprofen (Advil) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) are available over the counter and online. They can help keep any cold and pain out.
Aspirin is not recommended because it can increase the risk of bleeding. Children under 16 should also not use it because of the risk of developing Reye's syndrome.
Mocking
Digesting salt water or a solution in a pharmacy can help relieve sore throat.
Taking steroids
If the throat is very hot or difficult to breathe, the doctor may prescribe a short course of corticosteroids.
Causes
Most EBV infections occur during childhood. When this happens, the immune system produces antibodies to fight off the virus.
The virus lives in the body for a lifetime, lying in the throat and blood cells. Antibodies provide lifelong immunity, and rare fevers do not usually return a second time.
Sometimes, however, the virus is active again. This can sometimes cause symptoms, especially in a person with a weakened immune system.
However, EBV infection does not always lead to glandular fever or other symptoms.
A person who becomes infected at a young age or very old age is more likely to get a mild fever. Particularly noticeable to those aged 15-24.
At least 1 in 4 adults with EBV syndrome develop glandular fever. Less commonly, the disease affects people in other age groups.
How does it spread?
A person with EBV can transmit it through body fluids, such as saliva. It is possible to spread the infection by coughing, sneezing, or sharing items such as dishes and cups, for example.
It is also possible to transmit glandular fever, or infectious mononucleosis, with a kiss. It is sometimes called “the disease of refreshment.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that the virus can be spread through contact with semen or blood and through transfusions.
However, rigorous screening of transfused blood and transplanted organs means that the risk of glandular fever in these ways is much lower.
When EBV enters the body, it first infects the lining of the throat. Thereafter, white blood cells called B lymphocytes can transmit infections to other parts of the body, including the liver and spleen.
The virus remains in the body even after the symptoms have passed, and can be regenerated later.
Other causes of glandular fever
In addition to EBV, cytomegalovirus and rubella, sometimes called German measles, can also cause glandular fever.
Also, a person may have similar symptoms if they have toxoplasmosis, a viral infection.
Cytomegalovirus, rubella, and toxoplasmosis can affect the fetus. If a pregnant woman develops any of these infections, treatment with antibiotics and antibodies may be required.
Diagnosis
The doctor will do a physical examination to find the swollen lymph nodes and examine the larynx, liver, and spleen.
If they suspect glandular fever, they may also order certain tests. Antibody tests can detect antibodies that are specifically designed to fight EBV.
During pregnancy, tests may show whether rubella or toxoplasmosis is present. EBV does not harm the fetus or fetus.
Problems
Glandular fever complications are rare, but can be very serious.
Includes:
injuring the spleen
secondary infections, such as pneumonia, meningitis, or inflammation of the heart
anemia
a neurological condition, such as Guillain-Barre syndrome or Bell's palsy
high airway obstruction
Secondary infections are rare, but they are dangerous for patients with weakened immune systems.
Also, because of the potential for spinal cord injury, it may be a good idea to avoid social media, such as soccer, for 8 weeks after a cold.
Vision
Most people feel better within two to four weeks, but fatigue may persist for several months. Most people recover fully.