Epstein Barr Cures Blog

Why do some people get recurrent or chronic glandular fever?

The bottom line is how healthy your immune system is. The Epstein Barr virus that causes glandular fever or mononucleosis is a latent virus. The virus can be reactivated when your body is run down or under stress.

If you still get recurrent sore throats, swollen glands, muscle aches or fatigue, it is Nature’s way of telling you that something is wrong with your immune system.

Your immune system may be suppressed from poor eating habits, stress, smoking or a chronic underlying disease or secondary infection. Your genes can also make you more susceptible to disease.

More recently there has been a resurgence in the belief that illness is our body’s expression of limiting beliefs and ideas.

According to Louise Hay, author of “You can heal your life”, the Epstein Barr virus that causes glandular fever, is a stress virus caused by pushing beyond one’s limits, and a fear of not being good enough. The illness can also be caused by anger at not receiving love and attention.

These emotional blocks are often seen in people who live their lives for others. These people are always trying to please their mother / father / husband / children / friends / boss etc. Talking with a counselor or psychotherapist is a good step in clearing these emotional blocks.

Fortunately, through general lifestyle practices like a healthy diet, stress reduction, regular exercise and taking some immune boosting supplements, you can strengthen your immunity and keep the symptoms of chronic glandular fever at bay. See my e-book for further information on these treatments.

The Epstein Barr virus that causes mononucleosis or glandular fever can affect the nerves of the
body causing headaches and muscle pains.

The best natural approach for headaches is to take some high dose magnesium, which is a muscle relaxant, plus the B complex and vitamin C. These nutrients will help relax the nerves and muscles to hopefully bring you some relief.

Epsom salt baths (2 cups to a hot bath before bed) and massage can also be beneficial.

If your headaches are not clearing with the above advice, then it may be that your liver is congested. This is common in Epstein Barr. Drinking at least 2 - 3 litres of water a day to flush out the virus and toxins in your system is essential. Start your day with lemon juice in warm water. When you are a bit
stronger, a more potent liver tonic would be a good idea.

If your headaches are prolonged or severe, it is important that you get a check with your doctor to rule out other causes of headaches like allergy, low blood sugar, hormonal imbalances, anaemia etc that may be contributing to your condition. It is also worth seeing a chiropractor or osteopath to ascertain if your neck and back is out.

Depression can occur in cases of Epstein Barr (mono or glandular fever), especially when the condition is chronic or long term.

Depression is not simply just a matter of feeling a bit low or sad. It is a serious illness which causes both physical and psychological symptoms.

Depression is usually marked by feeling sad and losing interest in everyday activities, for more than a couple of weeks. There may be changes in behavior, like withdrawal from family and friends, inability to concentrate, and reliance on drugs or alcohol.

Feeling overwhelmed, irritable, frustrated, guilty, indecisive and thoughts of being a failure, are common.

Physical symptoms which can be hard to delineate from those of Epstein Barr, include fatigue, headaches, muscle aches, sleep problems and loss of appetite.

The natural approach to depression is fueling the brain with nutrients like fish oils, zinc and the B complex. There are also some good natural antidepressants like St Johns Wort which you can try with the help of your doctor or naturopath.

Scientifically, sunshine and regular exercise have been shown to help. Taking the time to rest, eat a high protein diet and drink lots of water is also important.

If you feel you may be suffering from depression it is important that you seek help from your doctor or a trained health professional. In many cases, low serotonin levels in the brain contribute to depression, and can be rectified. Finding compassion and support from your family and friends - just having someone to talk to is also a must.

Glandular fever symptoms are not usually dangerous, and they typically resolve within a few weeks. However there are four symptoms you need to be aware of that can be serious and may need medical intervention.

Let’s go through each one in more detail:

1) A ruptured spleen
A ruptured spleen is rare - occurring in 1 - 2 of every 1000 glandular fever cases.
If the spleen ruptures it can cause serious internal bleeding which requires emergency surgery and possible blood transfusions.

If your spleen is sore or swollen, it is important that you avoid contact sports, heavy lifting, constipation or anything which puts undue pressure on your spleen.

Indications of a ruptured spleen are pain in the left upper abdomen, feeling lightheaded, palpitations, breathing problems and easy bleeding. If you have these symptoms please see your doctor or hospital immediately.

2) Compromised breathing and swallowing
In some cases swollen glands in the neck and an inflamed sore throat, can make breathing and swallowing difficult. If you find you are having problems breathing or if you can’t swallow your saliva and start to drool, then get to a doctor straight away.

I had one of my overseas patients experience this on a recent holiday. She could not sit or lie down without her breathing closing down. Fortunately her husband rushed her to the nearest hospital where they treated her successfully. She said it was one of the most terrifying episodes in her life.

3) Extreme fever

Fevers caused by Epstein Barr infection will seldom go over 41°C (105°F). However if you are overdressed, or trapped in a hot place (like a hot car), fever can escalate and become dangerous.

Extreme fever can cause febrile convulsions in some children. Always watch children carefully and make sure they are not dressed too warmly or rugged up in blankets.

If your temperature exceeds 40°C (104°F) have a luke warm bath or sponge the body with luke warm water. Panadol may need to be taken if the fever is not coming down.

Aspirin should never be used to control fever or pain in mononucleosis sufferers because of the rare association of aspirin with Reye’s syndrome, a potentially fatal disorder characterized by inflammation of the brain and liver failure.
4) Strep throat
A bacterial strep throat, can be a secondary infection that the body picks up when battling glandular fever. It is most commonly caused by streptococci and may warrant the use of an antibiotic. 

Symptoms of a strep throat can be;
Severe redness and swelling in throat
Pain in the throat
A yellow discharge on the tonsils.
Coated tongue

Since symptoms of glandular fever and strep throat can overlap, a swab is recommended before antibiotics are taken.

Untreated strep throat can lead to complications like rheumatic fever, kidney disorders, arthritis or systemic infection throughout the body.

So if you have any of these symptoms please get yourself to a doctor or hopsital for further investigation.