Has the illness-lightning strike on my house? All of a sudden, everyone seems to be contracted with a sickness that is unheard of in the family. First, hives and now this….

But still it always feel good to know why you are sick. Another good thing is I am not bedridden now (like I mentioned in my previous post). Also, I found out that I have glandular fever. Did a little research from this site. Lots of stuff to read, but at least it ease my mind. Extracted some main info here: –

Symptoms
Many people, especially children, have few or no noticeable symptoms of glandular fever.

If symptoms do occur, they usually include:

  • swollen, enlarged lymph nodes;
  • high fever (temperature above 39C or 102.2F);
  • very sore throat;
  • swollen tonsils, with a white coating;
  • tiredness and lack of energy;
  • loss of appetite and weight loss; and
  • muscle aches and headache.

Causes
Glandular fever is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. It is passed on through saliva and the mucus produced in the nose and throat….. A person with glandular fever is most infectious when they have a fever. (maybe I got it from Keatkeat, remember he was having night-fever)

Treatment
In the mildest cases of infection with the Epstein-Barr virus there are few or no symptoms, so no need for treatment.

When symptoms do appear, treatments are aimed at soothing them, as there isn’t a cure for glandular fever. The virus usually runs its course within a month, as your body produces antibodies against it, and many people will recover without treatment within a week or two.

When you are feeling unwell, tired, or have a high temperature, you should rest and take plenty of fluids such as water. Paracetamol or ibuprofen (or child equivalents) can be used to reduce pain and fever. Antibiotics are not given because glandular fever is caused by a virus…..

Self-help measures for a sore throat include gargling with salt water or sucking on throat lozenges. In rare cases when swelling in the throat is severe, and interferes with swallowing, or if the nervous system (brain and spine) is affected, treatment with corticosteroid tablets such as prednisolone may be used.

Complications
Most people recover from glandular fever within a few weeks, but occasionally serious complications can occur, including:

  • damage to the nervous system, such as inflammation of the brain (encephalitis or meningitis);
  • ruptured or damaged spleen;
  • hepatitis;
  • pneumonia; and
  • anaemia.

Its estimated that around one in ten people who have glandular fever go on to have long term, chronic fatigue syndrome, with occasional fever and lymph node enlargement.

Not going to focus on the complications….just focusing on getting well in a week or two….wish me luck again…