How long does a GP consultation take to work for glandular fever?

The GP may ask about fever, sore throat, swollen glands, exhaustion and abdominal discomfort, and examine your throat, neck and abdomen. Blood tests can help when the diagnosis is uncertain or symptoms are significant. Glandular fever is commonly caused by a virus, so antibiotics do not treat the underlying infection. Sore throat and fever may settle before tiredness does, and energy can return gradually rather than all at once.

Rest, drink regularly and use suitable pain or fever relief according to the label or a clinician’s advice. Choose soft foods if swallowing hurts. Avoid strenuous exercise and contact sports until a clinician advises that they are appropriate, because the spleen can become enlarged. Return to school or work gradually if fatigue remains, and avoid sharing drinks or cutlery while unwell.

Get urgent help for difficulty breathing or swallowing, inability to swallow saliva, severe dehydration, intense abdominal pain, collapse, confusion or unusual bleeding. Arrange review if fever persists, symptoms worsen, jaundice appears, or profound tiredness is not gradually improving.

Ask whether testing is needed, when activity can safely increase, how to manage ongoing fatigue, and which symptoms should prompt an urgent review.