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What are the symptoms of glandular fever?

What are the symptoms of glandular fever?

One or more of the following symptoms commonly occur for about a week or so. Symptoms then gradually settle.

  • Sore throat. This may be mild, but commonly the throat is very sore, red, and swollen. It looks like a bad tonsillitis. Glandular fever is typically suspected when a 'tonsillitis' is severe and lasts longer than usual. Swallowing is often painful and saliva may pool in your mouth.
  • Swollen glands. As the body's immune system fights off the virus it causes the lymph glands to swell. Any lymph gland in the body can be affected but the glands in the neck are usually the most prominent. They can become quite large and tender.
  • Flu-like symptoms. Like other virus infections, glandular fever often causes fever (high temperatures), aches, headaches, and can make you feel quite unwell.
  • Malaise. A feeling of intense tiredness often develops with glandular fever. This is often the last symptom to go once the sore throat, swollen glands, and flu-like symptoms have gone.
  • Swelling around eyes. About 1 in 5 people with glandular fever become quite puffy and swollen around the eyes. This goes in a short time.
  • Spleen. This is an organ under the ribs on the left side of the abdomen. It is part of the immune system. Like the lymph glands, it swells and can sometimes be felt below the ribs if you have glandular fever. Occasionally, it causes mild pain in the upper left abdomen.
  • No symptoms. Many people become infected with this virus but do not develop symptoms. This is called a sub-clinical infection.

- Read more: Complications and unusual symptoms

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