Help! My nephew we think, has glandular fever, he started out by having a high fever - above 39°C (102.2°F) a sore throat which was this severe and we mistook for tonsillitis. He was really tiredness and lack of energy, he had no appetite and he lost weight. The glands in his neck and elsewhere in his body were really tender and he complained of a constant headache with muscle pains. We did notice a fine red rash and that was when we got him to the doctor.

We are just waiting for the results of a blood test at the moment. We are pretty sure of the diagnosis from the symptoms, but it can only really be confirmed by a blood test.

Does anyone know how this disease is caught or treated?

Glandular fever is a viral infection associated with a high fever.
It's also known as infectious mononucleosis or kissing disease it was realised that that the infection was passed on through saliva - for example, by kissing and that it is more common in teens!

Glandular fever is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. This virus can attack only two kinds of cell in the body: those in the salivary glands and white blood cells.

The infection begins in the salivary glands, that release large amounts of the virus into the saliva. The infection spreads to the white blood cells, causing them to multiply, and causing the lymph glands to swell up and become painful. Once infected, the virus remains dormant in the body's cells for the rest of a person's life.

But there is some good news! 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.

Recovery may take a week or two. In a small proportion of cases, the tiredness may go on for several weeks, and it may be aggravated by exertion. It is important that someone with glandular fever rests as much as possible and that they do not take part in strenuous sports for a month after the infection.

I hope he feels better soon!

Hi,
Glandular fever is one type of viral infection which affects certain blood cells . It also called as infectious mononuclesis.The main causes of this are fever,headache, blocked nose, nausea, sore throat, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes ,liver and glands.It is mainly caused by Epsteinbarr virus.

Those were the symptoms exactly that my nephew had. He is still suffering although I think things are improving a bit. It is good to know that there are some of you out there who know something about the subjects that trouble us. I had not heard o the Epstein Barr virus so that was interesting to note.

He seem to be very tired still I wonder if you know if this is an expected thing with glandular fever, does it take a while to work through the system, if so how long? Anyone know? I have heard Americans refer to mono before I assume that is what they call glandualr fever?

Glandular fever is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. This virus can attack only two kinds of cell in the body: those in the salivary glands and white blood cells.