Glandular fever is an infection caused by the Epstein Barr virus (EBV). It is also called Infectious Mononucleosis and sometimes the ‘Kissing Disease’. Once a person catches Epstein Barr virus, it is believed that the virus remains in his or her body for life, though it usually does not cause further illness. By adulthood, 90 to 95% of people have been infected with EBV.
How glandular fever is spread
Glandular fever is spread from person-to-person through contact with saliva. Young children may be infected by saliva on the hands of care givers or by sucking and sharing toys, but the virus does not survive very well in the environment. Kissing results in spread among young adults.
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms of acute glandular fever include:
- fever
- sore throat
- swollen glands
- abdominal pain and jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes) occur less frequently.
The illness can last between 1 and several weeks and very rarely a chronic form develops. Illness can be more severe in those who have lowered immunity and in some ethnic groups serious complications may occur many years after the initial infection.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is made by a blood test.
Incubation period
(time between becoming infected and developing symptoms)4 to 6 weeks.
Infectious period
(time during which an infected person can infect others)Not accurately known. The virus is shed in the saliva for up to a year after illness and intermittently thereafter.
Treatment
Seek medical advice if difficulty with swallowing or abdominal pain occurs.
Medication for control of fever may be required.
There is no effective antiviral drug available.
Contact sports and heavy lifting should be avoided for the first month after illness because of risk of damage to the spleen, which often is enlarged during acute infection.
Most patients with glandular fever recover uneventfully.
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