COMMON ILLNESS - GLANDULAR FEVER

Glandular fever is an infection due to a virus and is common in the University environment. You my experience symptoms similar to a severe cold, with an extremely sore throat, swollen glands in the neck, fever, lethargy (want to sleep 12-14 hours per day), malaise and headache. You may feel nauseous. If these symptoms are unresolved after 2 weeks, you might have glandular fever, Sometimes there are severe complications.

Diagnosis:
By a specific blood test, carried out at the UHS, or by your local doctor.

Treatment:
Glandular fever is sometimes a mild illness, and no treatment or time off may be needed. Many patients are well enough to return to work or University within 3-4 weeks. Recovery depends on your own immune system manufacturing antibodies to the virus. It is a good idea to rest, sometimes at home for 2-4 weeks if the symptoms are severe. During convalescence you should drink lots of water and fruit juices, and eat a diet rich in fruit, fresh vegetables, and whole grain cereals. Do not drink alcohol until you are better, as glandular fever often affects the liver. There is no specific drug treatment for glandular fever, although Paracetamol may help if you have a high temperature or sore throat. If there is a secondary bacterial infection, antibiotics may be prescribed. A certificate about your illness and any effect it may have had on your studies can be provided by the doctor if requested.

Prognosis:
Most people recover in a few weeks or months. However some people are ill for many months with fever, malaise and swollen glands. Your immunity to other infections may be lowered for a couple of months following an attach of glandular fever. To minimise this risk it is important to have at least 8 hours sleep every night, a nutritious diet, and to avoid getting tired.

How infectious is glandular fever? Glandular Fever is passed on by close, direct physical contact (hence the name "Kissing Disease"). It is not as infectious as many other infectious diseases. You are unlikely to catch it by being in the same room with a person who has glandular fever. Partners only need to be checked if showing any symptoms. It is wise not to have close, physical, and direct contact within the first 2 weeks of the appearance of the symptoms.