- Glandular fever
- Glandular fever is infectious mononucleosis. "Mono" and "kissing disease" are popular terms for this very common illness caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). By the time most people reach adulthood, an antibody against EBV can be detected in their blood meaning they have been infected with EBV. The illness is less severe in young children. The infection can be spread by saliva. The incubation period for "mono" is 4 to 8 weeks. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, sore throat, and swollen lymph glands. "Mono" can cause liver inflammation (hepatitis) and spleen enlargement. Vigorous contact sports should be avoided to prevent spleen rupture.
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glandular fever n INFECTIOUS MONONUCLEOSIS* * *
an infectious disease, caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, that affects the lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, and groin; it mainly affects adolescents and young adults. After an incubation period of 5-7 days, symptoms commence with swelling and tenderness of the lymph nodes, fever, headache, a sore throat, lethargy, and loss of appetite. In some cases the liver is affected, causing hepatitis, or the spleen is enlarged. Glandular fever is diagnosed by the presence of large numbers of monocyte in the blood. Complications are rare but symptoms may persist for weeks before recovery. Medical name: infectious mononucleosis.* * *
infectious mononucleosis.
Medical dictionary. 2011.