What to expect from a GP consultation for glandular fever

Your GP may ask when fever, sore throat, swollen neck glands, marked tiredness or reduced appetite began. They may ask about contact with someone unwell, medicines, hydration and any pain under the ribs. The examination can include looking at your throat, feeling the neck glands and checking your temperature, breathing and abdomen. These findings help distinguish glandular fever from other causes of a sore throat; a consultation cannot confirm every cause from symptoms alone.

Take a list of medicines and note your symptoms, temperature pattern and ability to drink. Your GP may arrange blood tests when the diagnosis is uncertain or symptoms are significant. Treatment is commonly focused on rest, fluids and suitable pain or fever relief. Avoid strenuous activity until your clinician says it is appropriate, particularly if the spleen may be enlarged. Follow-up may be suggested if fatigue continues or results need discussion.

Seek urgent medical help for difficulty breathing, inability to swallow fluids, severe dehydration, confusion, fainting or sudden intense pain in the upper left abdomen. These symptoms can signal airway, circulation or abdominal complications and need prompt assessment. Contact your GP again if fever persists, you are worsening, or you cannot maintain fluids.

Ask whether testing is needed, which activities to avoid, how to manage throat pain, when you can return to work or study, and what follow-up symptoms should prompt another appointment.