Glandular Fever: Signs, remedies, origins, and identification
Glandular fever, also known as infectious mononucleosis, is a common viral infection primarily caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a highly contagious member of the herpesvirus family.
To prevent the spread of EBV, it is essential to maintain good hygiene practices, such as washing hands regularly, avoiding kissing others, and refraining from sharing cutlery and drinkware. The virus can be transmitted through bodily fluids like saliva, and it is sometimes referred to as the "kissing disease." EBV can also spread through contact with semen or blood, and in some cases, through an organ transplant.
Once infected, the EBV virus typically remains dormant in the body for life. However, it can reactivate at a later date, causing symptoms to resurface. In most cases, EBV infections occur during early childhood, but the virus can also affect teenagers and young adults.
When a person contracts the infection as a teenager or young adult, they are more likely to develop glandular fever, which is characterised by a fever, sore throat, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, flu-like symptoms, headache, body aches, swelling and puffiness around the eyes, nausea, loss of appetite, malaise, pain in the upper abdomen due to a swollen spleen, and liver pain and jaundice.
The sore throat caused by glandular fever can be severe and occurs with redness and swelling, similar to tonsilitis. In some cases, EBV can cause mild inflammation of the liver, known as hepatitis, and acute liver failure, which is more common in people with weakened immune systems.
While EBV is the main cause of glandular fever, other viruses like cytomegalovirus and other herpesviruses can sometimes produce a similar illness. No bacterial or fungal infections are typical causes of glandular fever.
To help the body recover from glandular fever, it is essential to rest, drink plenty of fluids, take pain relief medication, gargle, and use steroids if the infection causes inflammation of the tonsils. Due to the physical impact of the infection, it is best for people to slowly build up their activity levels after recovery. Limit strenuous activity or physical sports for at least the first month after initial recovery.
In rare cases, glandular fever can cause complications such as damage to the spleen, secondary infections, anemia, neurological conditions, upper airway obstruction, and poses a risk for patients with weakened immune systems.
In conclusion, glandular fever is a viral infection primarily caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, but other viruses like cytomegalovirus and other herpesviruses can sometimes produce a similar illness. Good hygiene practices, rest, and fluids are essential for recovery, and it is crucial to avoid strenuous activity for at least a month after initial recovery.
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