What should you know about mono symptoms?

Glandular fever is an infection that can leave someone feeling generally unwell, with a sore throat, fever, swollen glands and marked fatigue. Night sweats may also occur. Symptoms can develop gradually, and tiredness may continue after the throat symptoms improve. These features overlap with other infections, so symptoms alone cannot confirm the diagnosis. A clinician may assess your throat, glands and general condition and decide whether testing is appropriate.

Rest, drink regularly and choose foods that are comfortable to swallow. Use only medicines suitable for you and follow the label or clinician's advice. Avoid sharing drinks, utensils or toothbrushes while unwell, because saliva can spread infection. Return to exercise and contact sports gradually and ask a clinician when it is safe, particularly if you have significant abdominal pain or have been told your spleen may be enlarged. Allow extra time for recovery if fatigue persists.

Seek urgent help for difficulty breathing or swallowing, inability to keep fluids down, severe dehydration, fainting, confusion or intense abdominal pain. Arrange medical review for persistent fever, worsening throat pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or fatigue that prevents normal daily activities. A new severe symptom should not be attributed to mono without assessment.

Ask whether your symptoms fit glandular fever or another infection, whether testing is useful, and how long to avoid strenuous activity. Ask how to manage ongoing fatigue and which symptoms should prompt reassessment.