Glandular Fever, Ross River & Dengue Fever

I live in the north of Australia and lately I have had a sore throat, swollen glands and low energy. Could it be Glandular fever, Ross River virus or Dengue fever?

Glandular fever

Glandular fever is an infectious disease that affects the lymph nodes in the neck, armpits and groin. Post viral fatigue is generally associated with the after effects of glandular fever. It is caused by the Epstein-barr Virus (a strain of Herpes Virus) and is characterized by above normal numbers of monocytes in the blood and swollen lymph nodes throughout the body. The symptoms of Glandular fever generally occur thirty to fifty days after infection with the Epstein-Barr Virus.

Ross River virus

Ross River Virus is a type of mosquito-borne Alphavirus. In nature, the Ross River Virus (RRV) is passed back and forth between animals and mosquitoes and occurs only in Australia. The only means by which humans can become infected with this Virus is by being bitten by a RRV-carrying mosquito. It cannot be transmitted via direct contact with another person or animal. The incubation period for Ross River Virus varies from three days to three weeks - symptoms generally appear within seven to fourteen days of infection. Fewer than 33% of people develop symptoms after being bitten by an infected mosquito. It is possible for humans to pass the Virus back to mosquitos that bite them during the end incubation period or the first few days after the onset of symptoms.
Ross River Virus (infrequently) may cause eye pain, adenitis (inflammation of the lymph nodes), fever, fatigue, swelling and inflammation of numerous joints in the body (especially of the wrists, knees, ankles, elbows, shoulders and jaw), intense pain, muslce and tendon pain, headaches, pharyngitis (sore throat), swollen glands and skin rashes. Excessive stress may exacerbate the symptoms and the symptoms of RRV eventually subside with little residue. People affected with Ross River Virus can experience days of wellness and intermittent days of feeling unwell, recovery is 2-6 after infection.

Dengue fever

Dengue Fever is an epidemic disease that occurs in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, it is caused by the Dengue Virus. The symptoms of Dengue Fever include arthralgia (joint pain) and myalgia (muscle pain), spontaneous bleeding of the skin, gums or gastrointestinal tract, aggressiveness and failure of blood circulation.

Diagnosis of viral conditions

It is recommended to investigate further into these symptoms and I suggest making an appointment with a Healthcare professional who can refer you for further tests, liver function enzyme test, immune cells and give you the ongoing support and advice to improve your health and vitality in the convalescent stage.
Ask a Naturopath.com provides general natural health information. A proper diagnosis and treatment plan of your individual condition requires a face to face consultation with a qualified health provider. A consultation with a Naturopath takes into account a holistic range of factors including physical signs and symptoms, medical and family history plus lifestyle and diet. We recommend you consult with your doctor or complimentary health provider in order to receive a better informed response to your query.

Diet tips for viral infections

Increase your fruits and vegetable consumption
Increase garlic in your diet as it contains sulphur which helps due to the Ajoene content of Garlic inhibiting Viruses

Lifestyle factors for viral infections

Address low immunity
Address liver function as virus' greatly affect the liver in its role of detoxification

Natural remedies for viral infections

Liver herbs may help to ensure that your liver is not affected by the virus in the long term, herbs such as Dandelion root, Bupleurum, Rehmannia, St Marys Thistle, Schizandra, Chicory and Burdock
Specific anti-viral herbs are Neem, Cats Claw, Olive leaf extract, Echinacea, Forsythia, Andrographis, Magnolia, Astragalus, Oregano and St Johns Wort
Vitamin C and bioflavinoid may help to support immunity and liver function
Colloidal silver is a potent anti-viral and may help to support the underlying immune weakness caused by the virus
Anti-oxidant herbs such as Grape Seed, Polygonum, Green Tea, Tumeric may also benefit liver function and improve anti-oxidant status
Blood cleansing super foods such as Green Barley powder, Spirulina, Chlorophyll or Wheat Grass powder to improve oxygenation of the blood, regeneration of blood cells and liver cleansing
Immune modulating herbs are beneficial in the convalescence stage, herbs such as Astragalus, Reishi mushroom, Siberian Ginseng, Ligustrum, Licorice, Atractylodes and Codonopsis

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