Glandular fever should i work

Glandular fever is not considered to be a highly infectious condition. Nevertheless, steps should be taken to prevent spreading the virus to others. The transmission of saliva from one person to another is the most common way of spreading the Epstein-Barr virus. Coughing and sneezing, as well as sharing drink bottles and utensils, can spread the virus. All of these activities should be avoided. Regular and thorough hand washing can also help stop the virus from spreading.

The virus remains in the mouth and throat for some time after a person has recovered. It is estimated that a person remains infectious for many months after contracting glandular fever. It is advisable, where possible, to avoid close contact with anyone who has, or has recently had, glandular fever. There is no vaccine against the Epstein-Barr virus to help prevent the spread of glandular fever.

Medical Library Topics. Home Medical library Glandular fever Southern Cross Medical Library The purpose of the Southern Cross Medical Library is to provide information of a general nature to help you better understand certain medical conditions. Glandular fever is a illness that mainly affects teenagers and young adults and which persists for several weeks.

The main symptoms are fever, sore throat, tiredness, and swollen glands. If the tonsils are very inflamed or breathing is otherwise difficult, a doctor may prescribe a short course of corticosteroids.

Most EBV infections occur during early childhood. When it happens, the immune system produces antibodies to fight the virus. The virus remains in the body for life, lying dormant in throat and blood cells.

The antibodies provide lifelong immunity, and glandular fever rarely comes back a second time. Sometimes, however, the virus becomes active again. This can occasionally cause symptoms, especially in a person with a weakened immune system. A person who contracts the infection as a teenager or young adult is more likely to develop glandular fever.

It mainly appears in those aged 15—24 years. At least 1 in 4 young adults with EBV infections develop glandular fever.

Less commonly, the illness affects people in other age groups. A person who has an EBV infection can pass it on through bodily fluids, such as saliva. It is possible to spread the infection through coughing, sneezing, or sharing items such as utensils and cups, for example. It is also possible to pass on glandular fever, or infectious mononucleosis, through kissing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC note that the virus can also spread through contact with semen or blood and through an organ transplant.

However, stringent testing of transfused blood and transplanted organs means that the risk of developing glandular fever through these ways is very low.

When the EBV enters the body , it first infects the lining of the throat. Then, white blood cells called B lymphocytes can spread the infection to other parts of the body, including the liver and spleen. The virus remains in the body even after symptoms have gone, and it can reactivate at a later date. Beyond the EBV, cytomegalovirus and rubella, sometimes called German measles, can also cause glandular fever. Also, a person may develop similar symptoms if they have toxoplasmosis, a parasitic infection.

Cytomegalovirus, rubella, and toxoplasmosis can affect a fetus. If you do get symptoms, you can be infectious for up to 7 weeks beforehand, and for many months after your symptoms go away.

If you have a sore throat and fever that has lasted for more than a few days, you should see your doctor or nurse for advice. In many cases, your doctor will be able to make a diagnosis based on your history and examination.

In some situations, blood tests may be required to help confirm the diagnosis. There is no specific medical treatment for glandular fever. Treatment focuses on reducing symptoms until recovery and includes:. As glandular fever is caused by a virus, antibiotics won't be effective. You may need to reduce some of your normal activities for a while. Getting enough rest and sleep is important but complete bed rest is not recommended as it can make the symptoms of fatigue last longer.

Most people with glandular fever will have few, if any, long-term complications other than fatigue. However, there can be complications. Glandular fever can cause your spleen to swell. For the first month, avoid heavy lifting and sports or activities that might increase your risk of falling, as this may damage your spleen. Glandular fever is spread through spit, so you can get it through kissing or by sharing cups or cutlery.

Most people get better with no problems. But sometimes glandular fever may lead to other problems like:.