Glandular fever, more commonly known today as mononucleosis, is a viral disease caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. More than 90 percent of all adults have antibodies to the virus, indicating past exposure at some time, according to the Shiffert Health Center at Virginia Tech. Mononucleosis, often called the "kissing disease" because it is spread by contact with saliva, is most prevalent among children and young adults aged 10 to 25, NetDoctor UK reports. Mononucleosis, which normally last two to four weeks, can't be cured with antibiotics; treating the symptoms increases comfort but doesn't shorten the disease.
See your doctor for an accurate diagnosis. Common symptoms of mono include fatigue, sore throat, fever, swollen glands and headache, which are also common symptoms for a number of other diseases. A monospot blood test positively diagnoses between 80 and 90 percent of all cases of mono by the third week of illness, according to the Shiffer Health Center. Around 90 percent of people with mono also have abnormal liver function blood tests.
Step 1
Rest in bed as much as possible. This is primary treatment for glandular fever. Feeling so tired you can hardly get out of bed for the first week is common.
Step 2
Put down anything heavy and avoid any type of contact sports for two months after you're diagnosed with mono. Many people with mono have an enlarged spleen. In 0.1 to 0.2 percent of cases of mono, your spleen can rupture, causing serious bleeding.
Step 3
Treat the sore throat pain by drinking plenty of fluids, especially fluids that ease the pain of sore throat. Hot liquids, ice pops or gelatin desserts may be easier to swallow and can soothe throat pain at the same time. Take pain relievers if your doctor allows them. Children under 18 should not take aspirin because of the risk of developing Reye's syndrome. Muscle aches are also common in mono; many people feel like they have a severe flu.
Step 4
Report worsening symptoms to your doctor immediately. In some cases, mono can cause pneumonia, which may require antibiotics. Glandular fever can also cause central nervous system infections, such as encephalitis or meningitis. These diseases need prompt medical evaluation and treatment. Swelling in the throat can also cause difficulty breathing, which may require steroids to reduce inflammation.
Tips and Warnings
- Mono has a long incubation period: between 30 and 50 days. If you've been exposed to mono, watch for symptoms within this time frame.
- Mono is most contagious the day before symptoms appear and one to two weeks after, but you may still be contagious for many weeks. Avoid close contact with others until your doctor says it's OK.
