Glandular fever (or infectious mononucleosis) is a viral infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. It affects mostly teenagers and young adults and leads to fatigue, skin rashes and swollen lymph nodes. Currently, there are no specific cures to eliminate glandular fever from its host, however, treatments are available to fight the symptoms and the most reliable cure currently is for body’s immune system to combat the virus.
Glandular fever or mononucleosis is a viral infection caused by the “Epstein-Barr” (EBV). The Epstein-Barr virus is composed of a double helix of DNA at the centre of the virus, which is surrounded by a nucelocapsid. A tegument encircles the nucelocapsid, all encased in an envelope created from lipids and glycoproteins. …show more content…
Younger children may be infected by the spread of saliva on the hands of infected hosts; sharing items such as toys also will spread the infection. Young adults usually are infected through kissing or sharing food (including cutlery) and drinks. Being infected with glandular fever indirectly is unlikely; as the virus does not survive very well in the environment so being infected directly is more likely. The virus does not survive well in the environment, thus being infected indirectly is less likely, thus most cases of patients being infected by glandular fever are through direct …show more content…
- Antibiotics: glandular fever is a virus, thus is not killed off by antibiotics as they kill of bacteria. However, they assist in preventing secondary infection.
- Steroids: a short course may be prescribed if tonsils are inflamed.
There is no vaccine to combat the Epstein-Barr virus, thus, one must use other methods to protect themselves from mononucleosis. Ways to protect oneself from the disease include following good washing hand techniques and to wash often and thoroughly, minimising contact with those infected, which includes minimising contact with saliva and to avoid sharing cups and glasses. The Epstein-Barr virus may persist in the saliva after initial infection, so it is recommended to avoid spreading the disease.
To control infectious mononucleosis, educating people to avoid contact with those who are infected and avoid contact with saliva as well as sharing cutlery, food and drink. Isolation of a patient is not necessary but recommended in order to stop the spreading of glandular fever as well as monitoring the
Glandular fever or mononucleosis is a viral infection caused by the “Epstein-Barr” (EBV). The Epstein-Barr virus is composed of a double helix of DNA at the centre of the virus, which is surrounded by a nucelocapsid. A tegument encircles the nucelocapsid, all encased in an envelope created from lipids and glycoproteins. …show more content…
Younger children may be infected by the spread of saliva on the hands of infected hosts; sharing items such as toys also will spread the infection. Young adults usually are infected through kissing or sharing food (including cutlery) and drinks. Being infected with glandular fever indirectly is unlikely; as the virus does not survive very well in the environment so being infected directly is more likely. The virus does not survive well in the environment, thus being infected indirectly is less likely, thus most cases of patients being infected by glandular fever are through direct …show more content…
- Antibiotics: glandular fever is a virus, thus is not killed off by antibiotics as they kill of bacteria. However, they assist in preventing secondary infection.
- Steroids: a short course may be prescribed if tonsils are inflamed.
There is no vaccine to combat the Epstein-Barr virus, thus, one must use other methods to protect themselves from mononucleosis. Ways to protect oneself from the disease include following good washing hand techniques and to wash often and thoroughly, minimising contact with those infected, which includes minimising contact with saliva and to avoid sharing cups and glasses. The Epstein-Barr virus may persist in the saliva after initial infection, so it is recommended to avoid spreading the disease.
To control infectious mononucleosis, educating people to avoid contact with those who are infected and avoid contact with saliva as well as sharing cutlery, food and drink. Isolation of a patient is not necessary but recommended in order to stop the spreading of glandular fever as well as monitoring the