Glandular Fever | Medtick
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Glandular Fever

What is it?

A contagious virus (virus can shed in saliva before symptoms begin)  (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, please try not to share utensils, kissing direct in mouth, share towels and/or tooth brushes. good hygiene is essential

Diagnosis tests

  • EBV-specific serology
  • Full blood count
    • Detect Downey cells
  • Heterophile antibody test (Monospot test)
  • Liver function tests
  • PCR tests
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?
  • Hoagland sign – early and transient oedema (swelling) of upper eyelids (mainly adults)?
  • 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 :

This condition may show similar symptoms to:

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

Detailed Information

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