Story Summary: When an EBV infection occurs during the teenage years, or early adulthood, it will lead to the development of glandular fever. During the infection, the immune system fabricates antibodies to fight the virus. Therefore, it is rare to have more than one bout of glandular fever. It can be passed on by coming into contact with the saliva of someone who is currently infected with the condition. It is often referred to as the kissing disease Exposure to coughs and sneezesSharing eating and drinking utensils (cups, glasses, unwashed forks, spoons, towels. ) A person remains contagious for at least two months after initial infection with EBV. In most cases, the majority of the symptoms should pass within four to six weeks without treatment. They include a ruptured spleen, which would require emergency surgery, or a secondary infection of the lungs such as pneumonia. For example, a headachemay be a symptom, while a rash may be a sign. The symptoms of glandular fever usually begin between four and seven weeks after a person contracts the initial infection. As is the case with many virus infections, glandular fever often causes fever and temperature, aches, headaches, and feeling sick. The tenderness may be mild, but commonly the throat is very sore, red, and swollen. Like the lymph glands, it swells and can sometimes be felt below the ribs. As the bodys immune system fights off the virus the lymph glands swell. Many people become infected with this virus but do not develop symptoms. This can cause jaundice(yellowing of the skin and the eyes). Many people with glandular fever will also experience mild inflammation of the liver or hepatitiswith symptoms such as: The symptoms of jaundice and hepatitis should clear up as the patient recovers from glandular fever. Fatigue and swollen lymph nodes may persist for longer, occasionally for several months. Most cases of glandular fever are caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Then, the infection is passed to nearby white blood cells, known as B lymphocytes. The lymphocytes spread the infection to nearby lymph nodes, the spleen and the liver. A few other causes of glandular feverA small number of cases of glandular fever are caused by viruses other than EBV. Medical evaluation will include a description of the symptoms and a physical examination in order to detect swollen lymph nodes, tonsils, liver and spleen. Blood tests may be recommended in order to confirm the diagnosis. There are two blood tests that can usually help to diagnose glandular fever: Antibody test. Pregnant women may be tested for other possible causes of the symptoms, such as rubella or toxoplasmosis. Until symptoms improve the patient will find it hard to carry out usual daily activities, such as attending school, college or work. It is tempting not to drink very much if swallowing is painful. Mild dehydration can exacerbate the symptoms of headache and tiredness. Avoid alcohol to protect the liver already weakened by the infection. Over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers, such as ibuprofen can also help relieve symptoms of pain and fever. Children under 16 years of age should not take aspirin because there is a small risk that it could trigger an uncommon but extremely serious health condition called Reyes syndrome that affects the liver and the brain. Gargling with salt water may help to relieve the symptoms of a sore throat. Antibiotics are not effective in treating glandular fever because they have no effect on viral infection. However, they may be used if there is a secondary bacterial infection of the throat. Although it does not present any immediate health problems, it does increase the risk of rupture. The main symptom of a ruptured spleen is the sudden development of a sharp abdominal pain. If you experience a sudden abdominal pain, and you have glandular fever, immediately seek medical attention. Emergency surgery will be required to repair it the ruptured spleen. These activities should be avoided for at least two months after the symptoms of glandular fever begin. Prolonged fatigueIt is estimated that about 10% of people with glandular fever will experience prolonged fatigue lasting for six months or more, after the initial infection. There are indications that this may be a form of chronic fatigue syndrome(CFS). It is a poorly understood condition that causes fatigue and flu-like symptoms, such as headache and joint pain. There is little explanation on why some people experience prolonged fatigue after having glandular fever. Preventing glandular fever It is important to prevent the spread of infection. A person with glandular fever does not need to be isolated from others because most people will already be immune to the Epstein-Barr virus. The majority of people with glandular fever can expect a full recovery. Written by Stephanie Brunner (B. A. ) Copyright: Medical News Today Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News TodayAny medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional….Read the Full Story

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