Glandular Fever

I had this thing some years ago for about 2 years (22-24 years of age). These are things that I, personally, found helpful.

Some general advice:

• get a diagnosis from a GP (blood test) as the official letter can be really helpful.
• lots of sleep
• absolutely no alcohol (stops the immune system working)
• a regular set of rests during the day (planned)
• good diet
• some exercise, but always being careful not to push too much as this often creates a "relapse". Inner focus exercise like pilates, yoga and dancing were good

"relapse" is a term I picked up from trainee medics who'd also had glandular fever, but the "official" medical profession does not acknowledge. I suffered 2 of these things. I was getting better after about 4 months and was getting back into rowing. I trained too hard one night and wham! back in bed for 2 weeks and ill again for 6 months. The next one was more mild. I kicked the glandular fever out at about 14 months, BUT then had a nasty infection stuck in my tonsils. Antibiotics would not finish it off, but surgery got rid of it. I distinctly remember waking up after the surgery with a mouthful of pain and feeling absolutely wonderful and free of infection.

After glandular fever it seems to take about 2 years for the immune system to return to full strength. Quite often people seem to have secondary effects left over, like the tonsilitis I had.

Everyone I know who has had this nasty thing has made a complete recovery.