Glandular fever, also known as mononucleosis, or simply mono, is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus or cytomegalovirus. It is not a bacterial infection, so antibiotics will not treat it. Antiviral drugs have not been shown to be effective as treatment for a glandular fever. The best glandular fever treatment typically is one that will reduce your symptoms. Your choice of treatment might depend on which symptoms are the most bothersome and which remedies you prefer.
There is no cure for glandular fever, so treatment is supportive. The main symptoms of glandular fever usually are a sore throat, fever, drowsiness and a loss of appetite. There are several ways that you can manage these symptoms.
You can use pain relievers, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, to control pain and reduce fever. If a child younger than 14 has glandular fever, don't give him or her aspirin. Pain-relieving drugs can irritate the stomach, so they should be taken with food if they are going to be used for some time.
Other remedies can be used to ease your symptoms as well. Gargling warm saltwater can soothe a sore throat. Eating several small meals a day instead of three large ones might help if your appetite is low. It is good to keep eating healthful foods, even if you don't really feel like eating. The symptoms of glandular fever can last for several weeks.
Rest is very important if you have glandular fever. Patients who have glandular fever are often drowsy, so rest is easy to remember. The disease often causes the spleen to enlarge, and pressure can rupture it. Contact sports should be avoided for several months after the symptoms have subsided.
It is also very important to stay hydrated. Your throat probably will be sore, so beverages might be difficult to tolerate. Warming them might make them more soothing. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables will also help you stay hydrated.
Vitamin supplements that boost the immune system can be useful as a glandular fever treatment. Vitamin A, vitamin B and vitamin C all benefit the immune system. The minerals calcium, magnesium and potassium also offer immune system support.
A few herbs can be useful for glandular fever treatment. Garlic might help fight off viral infections. Yarrow and elder flower can help reduce fever. If you don't like to gargle saltwater, licorice or slippery elm bark can be used.
Continue your selected glandular fever treatment for as long as symptoms persist. It is important to contact your doctor if you experience abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, severe headache, a high fever that will not go down, severe weakness or jaundice. Glandular fever can still be spread through saliva for several months after symptoms have stopped.
