Glandular fever is an infectious disease. It is also called ‘kissing disease’ because the virus is caused by saliva, so may be transmitted through kissing. It mainly occurs in people between the ages of 14 and 25.
The symptoms of glandular fever
Glandular fever is a fatigue disease, and it is also called glandular fever. Glandular fever is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which attacks lymphocytes (white blood cells that fight infections). By the age of 50, almost everyone has come into contact with this disease. But most people do not notice the symptoms and are therefore unaware of the infection.
Pfeiffer starts with a sore throat/strep throat, fever and swollen glands in the front and back of the neck. With a normal sore throat, the sore throat often disappears within a week. With glandular fever, the sore throat usually lasts longer. Small bruises may also be visible on the palate. People with glandular fever often also suffer from headaches, nausea, sweating and coughing. Some people also have loss of appetite.
Mononucleosis is often caused by saliva transmission. That is why it is also called ‘kissing disease’. So you can get mononucleosis if you kiss someone who has mononucleosis, drink from the same glass, use the same cutlery, cough when someone is standing close to you, and use the same toothbrush. Most people with glandular fever have low resistance. They get sick quickly and are easily infected by others. People with high resistance will rarely develop glandular fever.
Every year, approximately 1 in 250 young people between the ages of 15 and 25 develop glandular fever. Once you’ve had the disease, you ca n’t get it again because the virus stays in your body. However, someone who has had glandular fever may develop complaints again later.
Healing
The throat infection and fever usually disappear after a few days. The fatigue, being tired, can last a very long time. There are people who only suffer from it for a week or two weeks, but there are also people who suffer from it for months. The aftermath can even last years.
There is no cure for glandular fever. Paracetamol is the only thing that can help against laryngitis, sore throat or fever. With Pfeiffer you have to rest a lot and not be too fanatical. Avoid things that quickly tire you until you feel better. Healthy nutrition is also very important with this disease. Drinking lots of fruit, vegetables and fruit juice is good. In connection with the liver, it is wise to drink little or no alcohol.
When dealing with glandular fever, always try to listen carefully to your body. If you feel tired, admit it and lie down for a while. Also indicate this at your work or school, that if all else fails you can go home.