Infectious mononucleosis, also known as glandular fever, is a common condition that is prevalent amongst teenagers. It is commonly known as the ‘kissing disease’ because the infection can be spread by kissing. Infectious mononucleosis is caused by a viral infection; in most cases that virus is the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). EBV is a very common virus and most people have it; once an infection has occurred, the virus lies dormant in the body for the rest of a person’s life.
Symptoms of infectious mononucleosis
Infectious mononucleosis can cause people to feel very poorly for a long period of time (up to 6 months); as well as not feeling themselves, glandular fever also causes:
- soaring temperature
- sore throat
- inflamed lymph nodes (especially in the throat)
- weight loss
- loss of appetite
- tiredness
- headaches
- rash
Treating infectious mononucleosis
There is currently no cure for mononucleosis but there are treatments which can help to ease some of the symptoms; gargling saltwater will help to treat sore throats and taking over the counter pain relief will help to combat headaches, muscle aches and bring temperature down. If you have infectious mononucleosis, you should get plenty of rest and take in plenty of fluids.