Glandular fever is a rare childhood infection that can affect any of the organs of the body, including the brain, liver, bone marrow, and gonads, or the reproductive organs. It’s usually caused by a virus.
It’s also called glandular fever, glandular disease, or glandular fever.
What causes glandular fever?
This condition is caused by a virus that infects the body cells. The virus attacks the body’s immune system, which causes the body to produce too many white blood cells.
In addition to your white blood cells, other immune system cells also become overactive. Their job is to destroy the virus.
Symptoms of glandular fever
The symptoms of glandular fever usually start suddenly. You may have:
- Chills
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Feeling tired
- Dizziness
- Abdominal pain
- Rash
- Fever
- Confusion
- Joint pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Your symptoms may worsen over time.
How is glandular fever diagnosed?
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. They’ll also perform a physical exam.
They may also do a blood test to check for the following:
- Abnormal white blood cells
- Enlarged liver
- Enlarged spleen
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Enlarged red blood cells
If your doctor suspects that you have glandular fever, they may order further tests to confirm their diagnosis. These include:
- Blood tests
- Tissue biopsy
- Stool sample
Treatment for glandular fever
Treatment for glandular fever is usually done with antiviral medications. These are taken orally.
Your doctor will likely prescribe:
- A medicine called ribavirin
- A medicine called acyclovir
- A medicine called penciclovir
These medications may be taken until your symptoms start to go away.
Your doctor may also recommend taking antibiotics to prevent complications.
Complications of glandular fever
The main complication of glandular fever is your liver becoming enlarged. This typically happens in the later stages of the condition.
Other complications include:
- Nerve damage
- Skin rashes
- Inflammation of the joints
- Kidney damage
Outlook for glandular fever
Glandular fever is a serious condition. It can cause complications.
Most people who receive treatment are able to lead normal lives. However, complications can occur.
What’s the outlook for glandular fever?
For most people, glandular fever is a mild condition. It usually goes away after a few weeks.
However, some people may develop serious complications.
If a complication comes up, you may need to receive treatment in the hospital. You may also need to take antibiotics.
Outlook for people who have not received treatment for glandular fever is unclear.
Prevention of glandular fever
The best way to prevent glandular fever is to prevent the virus that causes it.
This is especially true if you’re at risk for developing glandular fever. You may be at risk for developing the virus if you:
- Were born prematurely
- Had a low birth weight
- Had a mother who was pregnant with your baby
You should also avoid:
- Sharing needles
- Using a needle to take a shot
- Having surgery
- Having a blood transfusion
- Being in close contact with someone who has the virus
While you’re at a higher risk for developing the virus, there are ways to reduce your risk.
These include:
- Washing your hands regularly
- Wearing disposable gloves
- Not sharing personal items, such as razors, toothbrushes, towels, or bed linens
- Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces regularly
- Avoiding contact with others who have the virus
- Avoiding contact with people who have the virus
- Changing or washing clothing regularly
What’s the takeaway for people with glandular fever?
Glandular fever is a rare condition. It usually causes mild symptoms.
In most cases, glandular fever goes away after a few weeks. But it can cause serious complications in some people.
It’s important to treat glandular fever if you have symptoms. Early treatment can help prevent complications.
If you have symptoms of glandular fever, your doctor will likely prescribe antiviral medications. These help to treat the virus that causes this condition.
They may also recommend taking antibiotics to prevent complications. They can help to treat the symptoms that may occur.
The outlook for glandular fever is usually good. It doesn’t cause serious complications.
Most people who have glandular fever do not develop complications.
However, you should contact your doctor if you have symptoms of glandular fever. They can help to treat your symptoms.
Preventing glandular fever
If you’re at risk for developing glandular fever, you can help lower your risk by:
- Washing your hands often
- Wearing disposable gloves when you need to use a needle
- Not sharing needles or other personal items
- Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces frequently
The bottom line
Glandular fever is also known as glandular fever. It’s a rare condition. Symptoms usually start suddenly.
It’s often triggered by an infection.
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