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How long does glandular fever last?
I have had glandular fever for about five months now and I still feel as tired and lethargic as when I was first diagnosed. Is it quite normal to have had this condition for so long?
I’m sorry you’ve had glandular fever (infectious mononucleosis), and that you are still suffering from post-viral debility problems. The main problem is that no treatment can usefully reduce the activity of the virus that causes the illness. The acute viral illness lasts for around 7?10 days on average, and then the symptoms of sore throat, swollen glands and flu-like illness gradually settle. The acute illness is then often followed by a variable period of ?post viral debility? with tiredness, poor concentration and depression We really cannot explain just why there is such a prolonged period of unwellness in a few unfortunate people, but about 3 in 20 sufferers will still be suffering from fatigue and lethargy 6 months after the initial illness, and are then said to be suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome.
However, chronic fatigue syndrome, sometimes referred to as ME, can develop without a preceding GF virus.
The only advice that can be given is to try and stay as healthy as possible. Take as nourishing a diet as possible, exercise sensibly and regularly, and have a good night?s sleep. Give up smoking, limit alcohol intake to a minimum and try to enjoy life as much as you can, avoiding all of the stressful situations that are, in themselves, debilitating.
Dr Chris Brown
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