What Causes Glandular Fever?

Posted on Fri, 7 Mar 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 7 Mar 2014 Answered on

Wed, 26 Mar 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : 4y.o.child diagnosed with glandular fever. No blood test done. Started with steady vomiting high temperature. Diagnosed as gastro although no diaherra. Headache. Later diagnosed as g.f. .one week later very sore throat swollen tonsils, greeny brown nasal discharge. Temperature still fluctuating between normal and 39.4c still no blood test. Fine rash over body. Not eating much XXXXXXX w.

Answered by Dr. Arun (57 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Blood tests needed Detailed Answer: Hi Thanks for writingto health care magic. Glandular fever is caused by ebstein Barr virus. Your description fits into it. But it needs confirmation by blood tests. Blood count and smear for atypical lymphocytes and serologt for EBV should help in clinching the diagnosis. Usual treatment is supportive with ibuprofen and paracetamol. Antibiotics may be needed if there is a superadded bacterial infection ( get throat swab for strep ). Wishing your kid speedy recovery. Regards Dr Arun

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E