Glandular fever - any advice?

[Cloud44]

Got suspected glandular fever - any advice? Will doctors always confirm it with a blood test? Is rest the best remedy? If you’ve had it, how long have you been off work for?

I've had this three times, recovery can be slow. Rest as much as you can, then build up activities slowly. Do a bit, rest a bit.

Blood test results aren't always accurate

What were your symptoms?

Swollen glands, sore throat, exhausted, I felt wiped out.

Listen to your body and rest. I had it at 15 and tried to push through too much and did myself no favours in the long run.

Rest! Do not underestimate how nasty GF can be, and do not try and rush back to normal life.

What happens about work and juggling family life though, I feel so frustrated!

By not listening to my body I ended up taking over 6 months to recover. I now have issues with chronic fatigue since having glandular fever.

it’s not easy but you really do need to listen to your body.

I had it as a young adult, so I don't remember if I had a blood test. As a pp said, it can hit pretty hard the first time. I've had it one more time recently, during a stressful period, and the second time wasn't nearly as intense. The symptoms (the first time) started with a high fever, intense thirst, swollen and bloodshot eyes, even had mild hallucinations for a few hours at its peak. It then developed into the worst sore throat I've ever had. I couldn't eat anything really, so lost a lot of weight. I had post viral fatigue for a few weeks afterwards too. I do remember I was given antibiotics, which I wonder about now, as it's a virus so wouldn't be helpful. Perhaps they were worried about a secondary infection. I can't remember now.

If you've got it you won't have any choice but to rest, the fatigue is overwhelming.

Hopefully you will only have a mild case but best to plan ahead and get some easy meals in etc just in case.

I've had it 3 times. It lasted for weeks and couldn't even lift my head up off the pillow when it was at its worst.

Hi I was feeling really rough for about 3 months, fevers, cough, sore throat, aching muscles, exhausted etc, just thought I had a few different cold virus so carried on working and doing family life (moaning when I could about how I felt).

Was at the Dr's for a routine check up (hit the age where you get an MOT) and she ran some blood work, called me 3 days later to say did you know you have had glandular fever.

When I told her how I had been feeling for about 2 / 3 months she said that's what all the symptoms where for and did I not suspect it was Glandular fever, but I always thought it was younger people who get it not in their 50's.

Rest up when you need to and don't do what I did which is push on through as I still feel wiped out some days.