Molly-Mae Hague reveals mystery illness that left her bed-bound for days – saying ‘I felt like I was on death’s door’
MOLLY-MAE Hague has revealed she missed out on Mother's Day celebrations after being struck down with a nasty illness.
The 24-year-old star said fans had begged her to go to the doctors after she told them her symptoms.
Molly-Mae, who rose to fame on Love Island and YouTube, was suffering from extreme tiredness and bizarre cravings like "chewing ice" and people had suggested her iron levels were low.
But after booking in for blood tests the nurse was unable to draw any blood.
Days later she found herself to be so tired that she couldn't leave her bedroom.
Molly-Mae told fans in her latest YouTube Vlog: "I actually haven’t been very well the last few days.
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"A few weeks ago I went to the doctors to get a blood test, I was convinced that my iron levels were low.
"Even a few of you were on here commenting and DMing me saying 'your iron levels are definitely low'.
"Then a few days ago I was feeling so unwell, I was basically in bed for three days."
The mum went on: "On Mother’s Day we had so many lovely plans. We were going to go for a roast dinner but I couldn’t even get out of bed.
"I wasn’t ill but I felt like I had been hit by a bus, I felt like my body was in pieces, my throat was killing me, I couldn’t stop sleeping. I was sleeping all day and all night."
Molly eventually had blood tests and confirmed she had contracted glandular fever, which she first suffered from when she was 17 years old.
Molly explained: "There's no antibiotics you can take, there's no medication you can go on.
"It's literally just rest and pain killers."
Glandular fever is highly contagious through saliva and is known as the 'kissing disease'.
Molly said she was due to go to Ibiza for a fitness retreat shortly after her diagnosis.
What is it?
Glandular fever is caused by a virus - meaning antibiotics won't work.
There is no treatment for glandular fever, and typically it gets better by itself.
Resting and getting enough sleep, drinking lots of fluids and taking painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen (only if over the age of 16) are the best ways to start to feel better.
You should also avoid drinking alcohol, as your liver may be weakened while you have the infection.
How do you catch it?
Glandular fever is also known as kissing disease, as this is one of the main ways to catch it.
Typically the transmission is the same as the common cold.
Cough and sneezing, as well as sharing water bottles and utensils can lead to the virus being spread.
In most cases, the virus affects young adults, but it can strike at any age – although it usually only occurs once in your lifetime.
What are the symptoms of glandular fever?
According to the NHS website, these are the common symptoms:
- a very high temperature or you feel hot and shivery
a severe sore throat - swelling either side of your neck – swollen glands
- extreme tiredness or exhaustion
- tonsillitis that isn't getting better
She added: "Staying active and doing things and getting out of the house is the only way I feel better.
"If I stay in the house and stay in bed I feel like my symptoms are worse. If I keep myself distracted I feel much better.
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"I did check with my doctor and she said it was absolutely fine."
The star attended the retreat but admitted she was unable to take part in the exercises, but she benefited from the healthy food and good weather.