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Question

Over the past few years I have had repeated attacks of glandular fever. My symptoms are headaches, fever, aching bones and muscles, weakness and apathy. I have been told that this can lead to "Yuppie flu" if not treated. Please comment.

Answer

Glandular fever, also known as mononucleosis, is one of a number of infections caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). This virus has a worldwide distribution, and by adulthood, most people will have antibodies to it. About 25 to 70% of adolescents and adults who contract the virus will have the illness known as glandular fever. Infection is usually through the saliva, and less commonly through blood transfusion.

The symptom of glandular fever which usually sends people to the doctor is an extremely sore throat. Before this, symptoms are malaise, loss of appetite, chills and fevers. Most people also have headaches and swollen glands.

In most cases glandular fever is self-limiting, that is, is gets better on its own. The sore throat lasts about 5 to 7 days, and the fever can persists for 7 to 14 days. Most people are well enough to return to school or work within 3 to 4 weeks, but a few remain exhausted, have difficulty concentrating and are unable to return to normal activities for months. This group may then be diagnosed as having "Yuppie flu", although this whole concept is rather contraversial.

As with most viruses, there is no specific treatment.

As your symptoms are rather non-specific and there are other causes for the kind of symptoms you describe, I would suggest that you find out if you do in fact have repeated glandular fever. There are blood tests for mononucleosis and for the Epstein-Barr virus.

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