Do you have severe fatigue that doesn’t go away? A feeling of weakness throughout your body? Headaches? But how can I get rid of it?
Hello, this is Dr. Joy!
Have you ever heard of mononucleosis? No? Don’t worry, we’ll look into it together.
Vamos!
What is mononucleosis?
Glandular fever, also known as Infectious mononucleosis, is a more common disease than you might think. It is a disease caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, which is part of the herpes family. It is caught through saliva, hence its nickname “the kissing disease”. Glandular fever usually affects adults and adolescents, but can also affect children. It does not have serious consequences for infants.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms tend to be as follows:
- Headache
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Severe fatigue
- Swollen lymph nodes
However, some people may have no symptoms.
How is it treated and how long does it last?
There is no drug treatment for this disease, only time will allow recovery. Your doctor may prescribe medication to relieve headaches and sore throats.
The person suffering from glandular fever is contagious during the entire period when symptoms are felt. After that, the virus is still present in small quantities in the saliva for a few months and can therefore still be potentially transmissible. Other symptoms such as fatigue may last for a few weeks or months. To avoid infecting others, it is best to follow the following recommendations:
- Avoid mouth-to-mouth contact
- Cough into your elbow (to avoid spitting)
- Do not drink from other people’s glasses
- Wear a mask in crowded places
- Like chickenpox, once you catch it, you are immune for life.
Glandular fever can still have serious effects such as swelling of the spleen, which can lead to its rupture, but this is rare.
It is not advisable to engage in any sporting activity for 3 weeks to 1 month after detection of the virus.
If you have symptoms, do not hesitate to make an appointment with a GP to be examined and to have a blood test. If you have been in contact with a person with glandular fever and have a sore throat, report it to your doctor.
See you soon,
Beijinhos,
Dr. Joy !
Ce contenu d’information ne saurait en aucune manière se substituer à un avis médical.
Il est impératif de demander conseil à votre médecin ou autre professionnel de santé qualifié pour toute question se rapportant à votre état de santé.
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