Glandular fever, also known as infectious mononucleosis or mono, is a viral infection that originates with an exposure to the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) or other bacterial organisms, such as cytomegalovirus (CMV). The infection may be passed through direct person-to-person contact and saliva. Though the infection itself is not serious, the potential for complications associated with glandular fever is significant and may include the development of jaundice and liver inflammation. Treatment for glandular fever centers on appropriate rest and hydration.
Commonly known as the kissing disease, mono may be transmitted through saliva or exposure to the spittle produced when an individual sneezes or coughs. Additional methods of transmission include sharing drinking glasses or eating utensils with an infected individual. The viral infection is frequently diagnosed in children and young adults who have not developed immunity to the virus. Very young children who contract glandular fever may experience mild symptoms or no symptoms at all, allowing the infection to run its course without detection.
The incubation period (the time it takes symptoms to develop after being infected with the Epstein-Barr virus) lasts for one to two months.
The three most common symptoms of glandular fever are:
a high temperature (fever) of 38ºC (100.4ºF) or above
a sore throat – this will usually be much more painful than any previous throat infection you may have had
swollen glands (nodes) in your neck and possibly in other parts of your body, such as under your armpits
In addition to throat pain, you may also have:
swollen tonsils
the inside of your throat may be very red and ooze fluid
swelling of your adenoids, which are two lumps of tissue at the back of your nose
small purple spots on the roof of your mouth
Other symptoms of glandular fever include:
fatigue (extreme tiredness)
a general sense of feeling unwell
a headache
chills
sweats
loss of appetite
pain behind your eyes
swelling of your spleen – this may cause a noticeable and tender swelling or lump in the left side of your abdomen (tummy)
swelling or ‘puffiness’ around your eyes
swelling of your liver – this usually causes mild pain and tenderness in the lower right side of your abdomen
jaundice – yellowing of the whites of your eyes and skin
In most cases of glandular fever, the symptoms will resolve within two to three weeks of the initial infection. Your sore throat will be at its worst for three to five days after the onset of symptoms before gradually improving.
Your fever will usually last for 10 to 14 days but your temperature will decrease for the last week of this period.
Fatigue is the most persistent symptom, and can last for several weeks. However, about 1 in 10 people feel fatigue that lasts for up to six months. Most people will be able to resume their normal activities within one to two months.
As glandular fever is a virus, most doctors will not prescribe antibiotics (unless the throat has a bacterial infection). However, naturopathy utilises many wonderful herbs to deal with viruses and the uncomfortable symptoms that come with them.
Usually the sore throat causes most discomfort, along with the swelling of glands. Using herbs such as thyme (especially if strep throat is indicated), echinacea, poke root, baptisia, (to boost immunity and support lymphatic function) and licorice (anti bacterial and supports adrenal glands).
If there is a fever, using homeopathic belladonna 30 or 200c, or aconite 30 or 200c if the fever comes on very quickly. The herbs yarrow, peppermint, elder flower, linden or boneset can be used for fevers. Ferrum phos 6x can be used for slow low grade fevers.
Many herbs have shown to be useful in fighting viruses with success: elder berry, cats claw, amala, reishi mushroom and St Johns wort (this is best prescribed by a qualified herbalist because it can interact with some medications). A qualified natural therapist can make a blend of herbs to best suit your individual symptoms.
Muscle aches and pains are common in glandular fever. People with symptoms of aching muscles and tiredness, mostly need a lot more magnesium that unfortunately foods cannot supply as our soils are very deficient. Magnesium deficiency is also common because of our stressed, busy lifestyles, where we burn up many of our vital nutrients. Zinc is needed for the immune system and many other actions of healing.
B vitamins are important to feed and calm the nervous system. There are some great high dose magnesium powdered products with the B vitamins in them that are very useful in treating glandular fever. Again, many herbs can relax muscles and ease pain, chamomile boneset, cramp bark, willow bark and Jamaican dogwood just to name a few.
The liver may need support especially if the spleen is enlarged and the liver has an extra load: St Mary’s thistle, dandelion root, schisandra and amala (which is anti-viral, nervine and good for rashes that can sometimes appear).
The fatigue of glandular fever is probably the worst symptom and in some cases can go on for many months. In our region, doctors, pharmacists and naturopaths all seem to agree on one main treatment plan for viruses: rest, rest and more rest.
And of course the diet is important in treatment. Smaller meals, four to five times a day are usually better, especially if appetite is decreased. Provide light, wholesome broths and soups, as well as fresh salads with alfalfa sprouts for extra vitamins and minerals. Make smoothies with fresh fruit and a little protein powder if your child is not eating much. Just stay with whole foods and keep away from processed, packaged foods. Tea, coffee, fizzy drinks and sugary juices should be avoided. Your child should drink herbal teas and lots of water.