Glandular fever generally affects young adults and adolescents. It usually settles without requiring treatment but can make an individual feel very sick and last for weeks.
When to consult a doctor
- High fever or shivering
- Severe sore throat
- Excessive tiredness or exhaustion
- Enlarged glands on the side of the neck
- Persistent tonsillitis
Remember that these are indications of glandular fever. In most cases, an individual will not experience more than once.
What happens during a check-up?
The doctor might request a blood test to confirm if it is glandular fever and rule out other ailments such as tonsillitis.
The doctor will not prescribe antibiotics since the condition is caused by a virus.
Self-care measures
Take note that there is no available cure for glandular fever since it settles on its own. The following measures can be help ease the symptoms:
- Adequate rest
- Increase the intake of fluids to prevent dehydration
- Avoid alcoholic beverages
- Provide pain medications such as ibuprofen or paracetamol
The individual should feel better within 2-3 weeks. In some cases, though, the individual feels excessively tired for months.
It is suggested to steadily increase the activity level once the energy level starts to return to normal.
Glandular fever can trigger swelling of the spleen. During the initial month, it is recommended to avoid activities or sports that increases the risk for falling since this might impair the spleen.
Complications
Many individuals get better without any issues. Sometimes, glandular fever can lead to other ailments such as:
- Anemia
- Infections such as pneumonia
- Neurological ailments such as Bell’s palsy or Guillain-Barre syndrome