Glandular Fever - Medtick

Glandular Fever

What is it?

A contagious virus (part of the herpes family) and attacks the lymph (these help to drain fluid from cells and fight infection) in the throat and neck.

  • The virus has an incubation period (the period between exposure to an infection and the appearance of the first symptoms)  of approximately four to six weeks, although in young children  and one with a weak immune system this period may be shorter.
  • This condition is very serious if one has a weak immune system and can lead to other infections.
If one has glandular fever it can be contagious for at least two months after initially having the virus

Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs can be used under medical supervision, however Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs is not recommended in asthma or asthma type symptoms. Check with your Medical doctor/Pharmacist when one can have any type of fever reducing medication to make sure it suitable for you.

Cause

  • Virus:
    • Epstein-Barr Virus (most common)
    • Cytomgalovirus
    • Rubella virus
  • Direct contact: via kissing, coughing , sneezing sharing utensils, toothbrushes, towel or touching anything that has been near the mouth.
  • Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease

Symptoms

(Signs and symptoms such as a fever and sore throat usually lessen within a couple of weeks, but fatigue, enlarged lymph nodes and a swollen spleen may last for a few weeks longer)

  • High temperature greater than 38°C (100°F) or over and/or chills and sweats longer than 72 hours (up to two weeks)?
  • Purple spots in roof of mouth?
  • Sore throat longer than seven days or more (normally two weeks or more)?
  • Initially a persistent dry cough which has now become a chesty cough with yellow/green and/or blood stained phlegm?
  • Swelling at the back of nose?
  • Swollen glands in throat, armpit or groin?
  • General discomfort (muscle weakness), uneasiness or ill feeling (malaise) and/or fatigue (tiredness can be up to six months)?
  • New rash that has appeared or existing rash getting worst?
  • Swollen or sticky eye and/or sensitive to light?

Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:

Medical Emergency Condition

And/or do not wait, phone for an ambulance if have or develop:


This condition can lead to :

Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice

Detailed Information

Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Glandular Fever in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).

  • NHS

    Find information and advice on health conditions, symptoms, healthy living, medicines and how to get help (British National Health Service).

  • Medscape

    Latest medical news and expert commentary in your specialty as well as disease information.

  • Pharmaceutical Journal

    The Pharmaceutical Journal covers analysis, features, opinion, learning and careers articles, providing insight and knowledge about drugs, pharmacy practice, medicines use and healthcare policy in the context of the pharmacy profession and pharmaceutical science.

  • Healthline

    Medical Information and health advice you can trust

  • ChatGPT

    Get instant answers, find creative inspiration, and learn something new.

  • Medical News Today

    Medical news and health news headlines posted throughout the day, every day.

  • WebMD

    Better Information. Better Health.

  • Cleveland Clinic

    Pushing the Standards of care.

  • Mayo Clinic

    No.1 Hospital in the Nation (America)

  • Drugs.com

    Know more. Be sure.

  • National Organisation of Rare Diseases

    NORD is dedicated to supporting education, elevating care, advancing research, and driving policy for rare diseases.

  • Verywell Health

    Know more. Fell better.

  • Fit for Travel

    Information on how to stay safe and healthy abroad.

  • DR Axe

    Health and fitness news. Recipes, Natural Remedies