Glandular Fever

Glandular fever, also known as infectious mononucleosis, is most commonly caused by the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), a member of the herpes virus family. Although it most often affects teenagers and young adults, it can affect people of any age. Moreover, the virus spreads easily through saliva, which is why people often refer to it as the “kissing disease”.

Symptoms of glandular fever can range from mild to severe and may persist for several weeks. Typically, common signs include fatigue, sore throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and general malaise. In some cases, the infection may involve the spleen or liver; therefore, accurate testing is essential. Additionally, some individuals may carry EBV without obvious symptoms, which means detection can be challenging without a dedicated blood test.

At Fortress Clinical Laboratory, our Glandular Fever Health Profile provides a comprehensive blood test to detect Epstein-Barr Virus antibodies. As a result, your doctor can determine whether a recent or past EBV infection has occurred and can also monitor recovery if the infection is ongoing. Importantly, early and precise diagnosis is vital for managing symptoms, preventing complications, and ultimately reducing the risk of EBV transmission.

This test is particularly recommended if you are experiencing persistent fatigue, fever, sore throat, or swollen lymph nodes. Furthermore, it is useful for differentiating EBV from other viral infections, such as influenza or cytomegalovirus (CMV). Consequently, the correct diagnosis can guide effective treatment and appropriate patient management.