Epidemiological Study of 10 Million Swedes Links COVID-19 to Increased Risk of Glandular Fever

Örebro University study reveals coronavirus may trigger glandular fever and long-term immune weakness even in patients who had mild COVID-19 symptoms.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 17, 2026, 9:08 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Örebro University

The Hidden Impact of Viral Exposure on Immune Resilience

A comprehensive medical study from Örebro University suggests that the long term consequences of the coronavirus pandemic may be far more pervasive than initially understood. Investigators found that individuals who avoided severe respiratory distress during their initial COVID-19 infection still appear to suffer from a weakened immune response in the following years. This systemic vulnerability has led to a measurable increase in the incidence of glandular fever, a condition that can result in profound physical exhaustion and extended periods of medical leave.

Tracing the Reactivation of the Epstein Barr Virus

The core of the research focuses on the Epstein Barr virus, a pathogen carried by approximately 90 percent of the Swedish population. While the virus typically remains dormant after an initial childhood infection, the immune disruption caused by COVID-19 appears to facilitate its reactivation. Snieguole Vingeliene, a researcher in medicine and epidemiology, noted that the results likely only represent the tip of the iceberg, as the study focused specifically on patients whose glandular fever symptoms were severe enough to require hospital admission.

Age Related Vulnerabilities and the Impact on Younger Populations

According to the demographic data analyzed by the research team, younger individuals appeared to be particularly susceptible to this immune degradation. The study tracked 10 million Swedes ranging from age 3 to 100 between 2020 and 2022, finding that the post viral impact on the immune system was notably pronounced in relatively young participants. This suggests that the coronavirus might have altered the biological defense mechanisms of a generation, potentially leading to a higher baseline of chronic fatigue and viral complications as these cohorts age.