DEFINITION

Glandular Fever is the condition of the body caused by a viral infection. There are many symptoms involved with Glandular Fever, the main one being profound fatigue. Sufferers of Glandular Fever often need bed rest for many weeks. The virus, known as the Epstein-Barr virus, is a close relative to the herpes virus.

DESCRIPTION

This infection usually starts in the throat and the glands in the neck become sore and enlarged. Children and young adults seem to be the greatest group of sufferers. In young children the disease is mild and in most cases passes without any real symptoms. The older the patient, the worse the problems seem to get with Glandular Fever. This ailment can be passed on by close contact such as kissing or even by droplets in the air.

The fever usually takes up to seven weeks to develop. Symptoms to watch for are: initially a sore throat, followed by the tonsils becoming swollen. Usually this is followed by a high temperature and the glands in the neck and groin become enlarged. The liver is sometimes affected and bruising occasionally takes place.
One of the common results of this ailment is that the patient is easily exhausted and the spleen becomes enlarged as well. Sometimes it is possible that jaundice may be a further complication.

Other symptoms include nausea or anorexia (loss of appetite).

It is essential that a proper examination is undertaken by a Doctor and the ailment is diagnosed and treated. It is thought that post viral fatigue syndrome (chronic fatigue syndrome) occurs more frequently in people who have suffered Glandular Fever and other similar viral infections.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

As with all conditions your Doctor should be consulted. Your Doctor will diagnose and treat this condition. Ask your Doctor about the latest advice on this ailment.

PHARMACIST'S ADVICE

Ask your Pharmacist for advice.
1) Follow the Diet Hints.
2) Have sufficient bed rest.
3) Stop smoking. Ask your Pharmacist for suggestions. Smoking is thought to reduce the function of the immune system. Glandular Fever and cigarette smoking together may increase the risk of degenerative lung diseases.
4) Lower the consumption of alcohol. Alcohol consumption places an extra load on the liver and is also thought to compromise the cleansing effects of the liver. Drink 6-8 glasses of filtered water a day. Your Pharmacy stocks a special Water Filter Jug.
5) To help relieve a sore throat ask your Pharmacist to recommend a suitable gargle and lozenge.
6) To assist with pain or fever take paracetamol. Paracetamol is preferable to aspirin as a pain reliever due to the rare association of aspirin with the Epstein-Barr Virus to precipitate Reye's syndrome. Ask your Pharmacist for advice when selecting a pain reliever.
7) If the diet is inadequate, consider some nutritional supplements. Zinc and Vitamin C (slow release) may help the natural immune system of the body. Supplementing with acidophilus helps control candida andor thrush and helps promote the right environment in the digestive tract for the absorption of nutrients.

Aspirin should not be given to children under 16 years of age unless specified by a Doctor.

DIET HINTS

The Diet should consist of foods that will enrich the blood. Include foods rich in iron such as red meat and liver.
Foods that are hard to digest and place a strain on the body's digestive system should be avoided. Avoid fatty and fried foods.
It follows that a diet rich in fresh foods is helpful. Have plenty of fruit, especially oranges and berry fruits, pineapple and kiwi fruit, which are rich in vitamin C.
Use raw garlic in the preparation of meals and lightly cook the vegetables. Remember that cooking the food can deplete the essential nutrients e.g., vitamins, that are so essential for good health.
A light and nourishing diet which includes home-made soups is an excellent idea. Ideally, exclude all full-cream dairy products. Use non-fat milk, low fat yoghurt.

VITAMINS/MINERALS/HERBS

Nutritional supplements are only to be used if the dietary vitamin intake is inadequate.
- Folic acid may be helpful for people with Glandular Fever. Low levels of this nutrient have been found in significant numbers of people with Glandular Fever.
- Vitamin C and zinc help to boost the body's immune system.
- Bioflavonoids derived from citrus fruits are nutrients which help to improve the action of vitamin C and help to inhibit the Glandular Fever virus.
- Vitamin A is a useful vitamin in cases, such as Glandular Fever, where the immune system may need support.
- Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea and Echinacea angustifolia) is a herb with properties which help to enhance the immune function of the body, with particular benefit in cases of viral infection.
- Herbs such as Garlic, Ginger and liquorice root contain potent antioxidant compounds that show an antiviral activity and provide significant protection against infection.
- Astragalus is a herb which has strong immune-enhancing properties and is traditionally used to treat established infections or chronic problems.

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