When is a blood test recommended for glandular fever?

Glandular fever often causes marked tiredness, sore throat, swollen glands, fever, and sometimes changes in the liver. A clinician may diagnose it from your symptoms and examination, but testing is useful when symptoms are severe, prolonged, atypical, or need to be distinguished from another infection.

Tests may include a full blood count, liver-related measurements, and tests for antibodies to the virus commonly responsible. Some antibody tests are less helpful early in the illness, so a negative result may need clinical review or repeat testing.

Rest, drink enough fluid, and use symptom relief medicines only as directed for you. Tell the clinician about liver problems, medicines, pregnancy, and contact sports or strenuous activity. Glandular fever can enlarge the spleen, so ask when it is safe to return to exercise or activities with a risk of impact.

Arrange follow-up if symptoms are not improving or the result is unclear. Antibiotics do not treat the viral cause, and some antibiotic reactions can occur when glandular fever is present, so do not self-start leftover antibiotics.

Get urgent help for trouble breathing or swallowing, inability to keep fluids down, severe abdominal pain, fainting, confusion, or rapidly worsening weakness. Severe pain under the left ribs after a blow or strenuous activity also needs urgent assessment because of possible spleen injury.

Is testing needed now or could an early result be misleading? Which other infections or conditions are being considered? Should I avoid exercise or contact sports, and for how long? When should I arrange a review?