Glandular fever is known more commonly to Americans as infectious mononucleosis. The illness is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus and is spread through saliva and close bodily contact. Symptoms of glandular fever include swollen glands--thus the origins of its name--sore throat, fever, fatigue, muscle pain and an enlarged spleen, according to the National Institutes of Health's MedlinePlus information service. Recovering from glandular fever can be a long, drawn-out process, spanning a number of weeks to even months in some cases.
Step 1
Rest as the primary component of your recovery process. According to the U.K.'s National Health Service, mononucleosis can linger for quite some time; taking it easy and cutting back on your daily activities for at least a month gives your body time to gather strength and heal.
Step 2
Treat your symptoms as needed to aid in your recovery. Take over-the-counter fever-reducing medication to bring your temperature down to normal levels and to relieve a sore throat. Drink plenty of fluids to regulate your body temperature and avoid becoming dehydrated. These measures will not cure your virus, but they may make you feel better, and help you feel up to partaking in your daily routine more easily.
Step 3
Avoid playing sports for four to six weeks after you've contracted glandular fever. One of the hallmarks of the disease is a swollen spleen; the risk of trauma, especially while playing contact sports like football, can lead to a rupture of the spleen and internal bleeding.
Step 4
Undergo blood tests to assess your recovery and to watch for additional signs of illness. According to MedlinePlus, your liver function may be compromised during the course of your illness. Depending on the test results, your doctor may want to perform further tests to see how your liver performs.
Things You'll Need
- Fever-reducing medication
- Blood tests
