Glandular fever, also called viral infectious mononucleosis or the kissing disease, primarily causes fever and swollen lymph nodes in the neck. The infection can occur at any age; however, it is most prevalent in 15- to 17-year-olds. Lasting approximately one to two months, the virus that causes glandular fever remains dormant in the cells of the throat and blood for life, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Cause
Epstein-Barr virus, or EBV, causes glandular fever. Classified within the herpes virus family, EBV is a common virus, affecting 95 percent of the American population by the age of 40. The virus gains entry into the body from close contact with an infected person, typically through the saliva. Once the body is infected with EBV, the body produces antibodies, a type of white blood cell that attacks and kills the virus, according to the National Library of Medicine and the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Signs and Symptoms
Signs and symptoms appear within four to seven weeks and last between two to six weeks. Symptoms such as fever, swollen lymph glands in the neck and fatigue gradually appear in the initial stages. Overtime, the throat becomes more painful and the lymph nodes in the neck swell. The muscles ache, appetite is lost and the spleen may swell. Atypical symptoms include cough, headache, irregular heart rate, chest pain and shortness of breath, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Exams and Tests
A physician will touch the neck, assessing for swollen lymph glands, and view the throat for a whitish-yellow coating on the tonsils. The abdomen is felt to assess for liver and spleen swelling. Blood analysis typically shows an abnormally high white blood cell count and an abnormal liver function. A blood test called the Mono Spot test can detect the presence of Epstein-Barr virus by measuring the presence of two antibodies associated with EBV, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Treatment
Antibiotic, antiviral or corticosteroids have little effect on killing the Epstein-Barr virus; treatment focuses on relieving symptoms. To reduce throat pain and swollen lymph glands in the neck, drink plenty of fluids and gargle with warm salt water; also rest and sleep often and take ibuprofen or acetaminophen to relieve pain, says MedlinePlus.
Prognosis
Fever typically reduces within 10 days and swollen lymph glands and spleen will heal within four weeks. Fatigue can persist for two to three months; however, it typically dissipates within a few weeks, according to MedlinePlus.
