Mononucleosis – Causes Symptoms and Treatment

Mononucleosis causes fear and terror in most people. Almost everyone has had it. Mostly even unnoticed. The symptoms hardly differ from a normal flu. What are the differences and how do the therapies differ from each other?

Influenza and mononucleosis have many things in common . Both are viral infections with fever, sore throat and body aches as symptoms. So why is glandular fever not treated under the generic term flu? First of all, there are two different types of viruses. While the influenza virus is up to mischief in our body in the case of a flu-like infection, the trigger for glandular fever is the Epstein-Barr virus. But certain symptoms are different. You can find out what they are here.

What is glandular fever?

As already mentioned above, glandular fever is a viral disease with the Epstein-Barr virus. It attacks various areas of the body, including the lymphocytes (a group of white blood cells). It is highly contagious and is transmitted through contact with saliva, which has also earned it the name kissing disease . In fact, young people are increasingly affected by infection. Although glandular fever is generally considered dangerous, the course of the disease varies greatly. Small children, for example, often only show cold-like symptoms. The intensity of the infection only increases with advancing age.

Pfeiffer’s glandular fever with sore throat is particularly noticeable, fever and swollen lymph nodes. In 50 percent of cases, the disease occurs together with tonsillitis. Then antibiotics are usually prescribed. But this is not a symptom of the viral disease. Since it can take up to seven weeks between infection and the outbreak of the viral disease, it is difficult to say exactly how long it will take. The illness itself usually lasts between two and six weeks. Although the course is exhausting, it is largely harmless to humans. There are no medications for glandular fever. Only the symptoms can be treated. However, this is sufficient in most cases, since the body gets the infection under control.

Symptoms of glandular fever

The typical symptoms that occur are:

  • fever
  • sore throat and body aches
  • general malaise
  • exhaustion

Treatment of glandular fever

There is no drug therapy. For a quick recovery from the disease you should rest a lot and drink a lot. If necessary, you can use pain medication and antipyretics.

Why mononucleosis can be so dangerous

In very rare cases, however, glandular fever can take an unusual course. This can lead to encephalitis, liver or spleen swelling. You should be admitted to a hospital immediately. There is also a risk of a chronic course. Then the known symptoms can often appear for months or years. The lymph node swelling remains. If the spleen is swollen, there is an acute risk of a ruptured spleen, which is why heavy physical exertion should be avoided.

In the case of a chronic course, the swelling of the spleen can also persist, which often severely limits the activity of the affected person. Medicine is powerless in the face of this problem. Because it is not the virus that is causing the persistent pain here. This has already subsided at this point. An overreaction of the immune system is to blame. It is therefore necessary to wait until the immune system returns to normal on its own. Our article takes a look at research’s daily battle against viruses and bacteria.

Since glandular fever demands a lot from our immune system, many of those affected are much more susceptible to other infections such as colds or flu viruses even after the disease has subsided. That is why people who have glandular fever behind them in particular should also strengthen their immune system .

Myths and rumors about glandular fever

In addition to the symptoms mentioned, there are all sorts of rumors about glandular fever. It is said to lead to impotence and hair loss and even trigger multiple sclerosis. All of these claims are simply false or unproven. It is also not possible to fall ill with glandular fever more than once. Anyone who has been ill once does not need to fear a renewed outbreak of the disease. Our immune system is so well trained to the pathogen that it kills it at the first sign in the body. Our quiz tells you how your immune system is doing.

It is also not true that you have to eat a lot of ice cream if you have glandular fever. However, ice helps against the strained throat area, which is why it is not a disadvantage to eat ice cream every now and then to cool the throat. However, you should not feed on it during this time. A balanced and vitamin-rich diet with lots of fiber is important. The immune system needs all the support it can get. Many vitamins are therefore mandatory. One last request: no self-diagnosis of mononucleosis! It is better to go to your family doctor so that he can determine the glandular fever by taking a blood test without any doubt.

Crystal Waston MD

Crystal Waston has a degree in Cross Media Production and Publishing. At vital.de she gives everyday tips and deals with topics related to women's health, sport, and nutrition.

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