What should you know about glandular fever tonsils?

Inflamed tonsils may look red, swollen or coated, and the surrounding throat can feel raw. Glandular fever can also cause tender neck glands, fever and strong fatigue. These findings overlap with other throat infections, so the appearance of the tonsils cannot identify the cause by itself.

A clinician may ask how quickly symptoms developed, examine your throat and consider testing. Mention any rash, medicine use, night sweats or difficulty eating and drinking. This detail helps distinguish a straightforward sore throat from an illness needing closer monitoring.

Take frequent sips of fluid and choose soft foods when chewing or swallowing is uncomfortable. Rest your voice, avoid smoke and use suitable pain relief according to the label or professional advice. Do not take leftover antibiotics: they may not treat a viral illness and can be followed by a rash in glandular fever.

Keep activity gentle while you are unwell, and avoid strenuous contact activity until a clinician advises that it is safe. Read more about Glandular Fever and Feeling Generally Unwell.

Seek emergency help if you cannot swallow saliva, are drooling, have noisy or difficult breathing, or feel your throat is rapidly tightening. Get prompt care for inability to keep fluids down, faintness, confusion or severe worsening pain.

Arrange clinical review when tonsil swelling is worsening, fever persists, or symptoms are preventing hydration. Urgency is guided by breathing, swallowing and hydration, not by the tonsils’ appearance alone.

Ask whether the tonsil findings fit glandular fever, how to manage pain safely, whether testing is needed, and which changes should send you to urgent care.