Glandular fever can you get it again

The older the person when they develop glandular fever, the more severe the symptoms are likely to be. It is possible for symptoms to persist for several weeks and even for several months. In a small percentage of cases a blotchy red rash can occur. Jaundice occurs rarely and, when it does, it generally only lasts days. An enlarged spleen is not an immediate health problem but there is a small risk of it rupturing bursting.

A sharp pain in the left side of the upper abdomen may indicate a ruptured spleen and medical attention should be sought immediately. The doctor will discuss your symptoms and will perform a physical examination. This will include an assessment of whether there is:. As these symptoms are so characteristic of glandular fever they are usually sufficient to make a diagnosis. In some cases, the doctor may take blood tests to check for the presence of the Epstein-Barr virus or to rule out less common but more serious causes of the symptoms, such as hepatitis B or hepatitis C virus infection.

It is considered to be a self-limiting infection that resolves with time. Getting plenty of rest and drinking lots of fluid especially water is very important during recovery. Pain and discomfort can usually be adequately treated with over-the-counter pain relief medication such as paracetamol.

In severe cases, corticosteroid medication eg: prednisone may be prescribed to reduce pain and swelling of the lymph nodes. Occasionally the sore throat present with glandular fever can be associated with strep throat , caused by streptococcal bacteria. Antibiotics may be prescribed in these cases in order to combat the bacteria.

An enlarged spleen can be easily damaged. For this reason, it is recommended that strenuous activity and exercise, particularly contact sports, be avoided for at least four weeks after the first symptoms appear, or until the spleen returns to a normal size. As glandular fever can also cause inflammation of the liver, it is important to avoid alcohol while the condition is present. It remains inactive, meaning it cannot trigger the condition again.

Even if the virus reactivates, people will likely experience no symptoms. People with compromised immune systems may be more at risk of experiencing mono twice if the virus reactivates within the body.

In other cases, a person may feel the symptoms go away and then worsen. This may be due to symptoms of the initial illness not yet fully resolving. In rare cases, mono can lead to a recurring condition called chronic active Epstein-Barr cEBV disease. This rare illness can cause persistent symptoms that do not go away, requiring regular treatment.

Much of the time, what appears as a relapse of mono symptoms is actually due to a different illness. Many of the common symptoms of mono, such as fatigue, fever, and sore throat, are common indicators of other conditions.

Common infections, such as strep throat or the influenza virus, can trigger similar symptoms. Experiencing these conditions after having mono may make a person feel as if they have mono again. People with compromised immune systems may experience an actual relapse of mono symptoms. This could occur during an especially difficult moment in the immune system, such as when the body is fighting off other infections.

However, it is not completely clear what causes mono to reactivate. People should not self-diagnose based solely on the similarity of symptoms, as several health issues may trigger similar symptoms. Anyone with symptoms of mono for a second time should speak with a doctor for a complete diagnosis.

Mononucleosis is extremely common. There is no vaccination for the virus. People with concerns about their risk of mono or its effects may take some simple steps to avoid bodily fluids that contain the virus however possible, including:. Many cases will not require medical treatment. Mono symptoms usually pass over time, and most people get better within 2—4 weeks. However, some people may need more time to recover, with symptoms lasting for more than 6 months. Additionally, some symptoms may linger.

People may feel fatigued for weeks after initial symptoms end. In those whose symptoms include an enlarged liver or spleen, their organs may stay enlarged even after other symptoms resolve. Treatments usually focus on relieving symptoms and preventing complications. It is important to stay hydrated and get plenty of rest during recovery. Glandular fever is spread through spit, so you can get it through kissing or by sharing cups or cutlery.

Most people get better with no problems. But sometimes glandular fever may lead to other problems like:. Page last reviewed: 01 December Next review due: 01 December Glandular fever. Non-urgent advice: See a GP if you have:. You do not usually get glandular fever more than once.