Glandular fever symptoms and GP advice
Glandular fever can cause a severe sore throat, swollen glands, fever and marked tiredness that lasts longer than a typical cold. Learn when testing or GP review may help.
Glandular fever is often linked with the Epstein-Barr virus. Symptoms can look like tonsillitis at first, but tiredness and swollen glands may last longer. Antibiotics are not used to treat glandular fever itself because it is usually viral.
A GP can examine your throat and glands and advise whether blood tests, throat testing, rest, symptom relief or further checks are appropriate. Seek medical help if you have breathing problems, severe difficulty swallowing, severe abdominal pain, jaundice, dehydration or symptoms that are getting worse.
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Symptoms and causes
Glandular fever can cause a severe sore throat, swollen glands in the neck, fever, extreme tiredness, headache, swollen tonsils, reduced appetite, body aches and sometimes a rash or abdominal discomfort.
It is usually caused by the Epstein-Barr virus and spreads through saliva, close contact, kissing, shared drinks, and sometimes coughing or sneezing. It is most common in teenagers and young adults, but adults can get it too.
Glandular fever and tonsillitis can look similar at first. Glandular fever is more likely when tiredness is unusually strong, glands are swollen, and symptoms last longer than a typical throat infection.
Diagnosis, blood tests and appointment options
A GP may suspect glandular fever from your symptoms and examination. Blood tests can help confirm infection and check how your body is responding.
Appointment options that may help:
- GP consultation: best for severe sore throat, swollen glands, fever or tiredness that is not improving.
- Rapid blood panel + GP review: may help with mixed symptoms or tiredness that will not shift. Blood tests run during your visit, then a GP goes through the results with you.
Glandular fever confirmation may need specific blood tests depending on the assessment. If your GP recommends tests, they cost extra unless included in the appointment type selected.
Treatment, recovery and urgent symptoms
There is no quick cure for glandular fever. Treatment is usually rest, fluids, simple pain relief if suitable, and avoiding heavy exercise while you recover. Antibiotics do not treat glandular fever.
Some people with glandular fever can have an enlarged spleen. Avoid contact sports and heavy exercise until a clinician has advised it is safe, especially if you have abdominal pain or marked fatigue.
Book a GP if you have a severe sore throat and swollen glands, tiredness is marked or lasting longer than expected, symptoms are not improving, fever keeps returning, you have abdominal pain, or you are unsure whether this is tonsillitis, Strep A or glandular fever.
Seek urgent help if you have difficulty breathing, cannot swallow fluids, severe abdominal pain, jaundice, confusion, severe dehydration, or you feel seriously unwell.
If you are not sure whether your sore throat or tiredness could be glandular fever, book a GP consultation. A DocTap GP can assess you and advise whether blood tests are needed.