Glandular fever

**KJH** · 10-03-2007, 18:34

Eldest daughter had been feeling ill for over a week, but yesterday she had a golf ball size lump in her neck. Lauren was frozen and shaking and said the pain in her back and head was really hurting. Rang GP, receptionist said, "you'll have to ring back Monday"!!!!![V]

Lauren got worse as the evening went on so I took her to A+E, after loads of tests (blood, cardiogram etc)they diagnosed Glandular Fever.
She was put on a drip but is home today.

We go to Florida on Wednesday, doctor said it is OK as long as she rests. I'm just hoping no-one else comes down with it. I think I'll have to keep a mask on her on the plane.

**chrizzy100** · 10-03-2007, 18:44

I was sick for 2 years with it...and I still get trouble now...
[msnsad]

**hamish** · 10-03-2007, 19:45

Thought this might help.!

Glandular fever is a viral infection associated with a high fever.

It's also known as infectious mononucleosis or kissing disease (long ago it was realised that the infection was passed on through saliva - for example, by kissing).

Causes

Glandular fever is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus

Glandular fever is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. This can attack only two types of cell in the body: those in the salivary glands and white blood cells known as B lymphocytes (B-cells).

Infection begins in the salivary glands, which release large amounts of the virus into the saliva. The infection spreads to the B lymphocytes, causing them to multiply, and causing the lymph glands to swell and become painful.

Once infected, the virus remains dormant in the body's cells for the rest of a person's life.

Symptoms
The incubation period is about ten days. Symptoms include:

high fever - above 39°C (102.2°F)
sore throat (this can be severe and mistaken for tonsillitis)
tiredness and lack of energy
loss of appetite
weight loss
swollen tender glands (in the neck and around the body)
headache
muscle pains
occasionally a fine red rash
sometimes an enlarged, tender spleen

Diagnosis and treatment
The diagnosis may be clear from the symptoms, but it can be confirmed by a blood test.

Because glandular fever is a viral infection, there's no specific treatment

Because glandular fever is a viral infection, there's no specific treatment. Pain relief and fever treatments (including paracetamol or ibuprofen), fluids and rest are important to help children overcome the infection. Antibiotics aren't needed and can trigger a rash in this condition.

A vaccine against the Epstein-Barr virus is under development. The infection is most contagious during the feverish stage, when contact with others should be avoided.

Further help
Recovery may take a week or two. In a small proportion of cases, the tiredness may be prolonged over several weeks, when it may be aggravated by exertion. (Rest is important in glandular fever and it's usually recommended that children don't take part in strenuous sports for a month after the infection.)

Complications such as hepatitis or pneumonia are rare but need intensive medical support. For a few children, the infection leads to chronic fatigue syndrome. If you're worried, talk to your doctor.

Clive.

p.s, Please bear in mind that symptoms will vary quite dramatically from patient to patient, from very mild "post fever" to severe.
Rest her up well, until you go and I hope you all have a great holiday.!

**LiesaAnna** · 10-03-2007, 20:35

my daughter had this when she was at collage, she always had enlarged tonsils as a child but were never removed even tho her adenoids were wehn she had gromits twice, during her very nasty bout she was hospitalised for a while as they tonsils were touching and she was very panicky, they wouldnt take her tonsils out until she was well, so the glandular fever went on for 2 months she had her tonsils out 2 months after i think (thank goodness some memories fade with time) she was so poorly!!
its known as the "kissing disease" known amongst teenagers as they spend so much time in close contact!
Kaz
i do hope your Lauren will be well enough for your forthcoming trip, rest and plenty of it will help, but dont expect miracles, its horrible![grouphug][grouphug][grouphug]

**CarolAnn** · 10-03-2007, 20:36

I suffered with it for 6 months, then mainly tiredness for about 18 months when I was 18. I remember i couldn't give blood for 5 years after diagnosis. Not really a good idea to do 12 hour days in a theme park mind[msnsad] Do hope lauren enjoys what she can of her holiday,[msnsad]

**bjpointon** · 10-03-2007, 21:54

My Son had this at the tender age of 5 1/2, hospitalised for a week, and then plenty of rest. No lasting effects. Hope your Daughter soon recovers, enjoy your holiday I'm sure the warm sunshine will work wonders.

**glasgowmary** · 10-03-2007, 22:15

my 15 year old had it in october and was flat out for 2 weeks , off school lying on the sofa ..... was tired for around 2 months and only back to normal about jan , but there are degrees of it and she may be fine high dose of vit c and a good multivitamin will help also they sell a tonic in the us which is suppossed to be great but , i forget the name ( try a search online ) hope she feels better

**KJH** · 10-03-2007, 22:23

Thanks for all the info, Lauren is in pretty bad shape today, very swollen glands, hasn't moved from under her blanket on the sofa, not eating but drinking water.

Lauren has all the symtoms from above, including being diagnosed for tonsillitis 3 weeks ago, she hadn't been right since, now we know why.

Lauren's in her 1st year at UNI, she's just glad that most of her coursework is already finished.

Kaz