Symptoms of glandular fever as 'scared' Vicky Pattison in hospital for 36 hours

Vicky Pattison was rushed to hospital over the weekend after becoming so ill she was 'unable to physically move'. The Geordie Shore star took to Instagram to recall how a headache on Thursday morning led to her being hospitalised for 36 hours with doctors diagnosing her with glandular fever.

"I woke up on Thursday with a terrible headache," the I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here winner told her 5.5million followers. "I ignored it & assumed it was because I'd had super long day the day before- anyway it persisted & became a sore throat, razor blade vibes & I got the fever, aches, pains, sore joints etc."

The Newcastle icon says she tried to book an emergency appointment but only managed to speak to a doctor over the phone as they got stuck in a 'six hour-long' traffic jam due to a 'crash'. A day later Vicky says she began being sick, which was "making everything worse".

She said her throat became swollen and she couldn't swallow. "It was getting to the point where I physically couldn't move," she added.

"Starting to feel scared, I made another emergency app with my doctor & was referred straight to A&E. After around 36 hours, about 6 bags of fluid, 3 of antibiotics & an untold amount of pain relief we're starting to get to the bottom of things.

"They think it's glandular fever, a big infection & an abscess in my throat. I didn't allow myself any recovery time after Covid & it's just compromised my immune system."

The Wallsend born 36-year-old went on to admit: "This has been the wake up call I needed but I'm angry with myself I let it go this far- I'll be in hospital for awhile & I think it's for the best."

What is glandular fever?

Glandular fever is a viral infection. It commonly affects teenagers and young adults, especially those aged between 15 and 24 years old. While it typically improves without medical attention, it can persist for several weeks and cause severe illness.

Symptoms of glandular fever can include:

• high temperature

• swollen glands, which may be in the neck, head, armpits, elbows, or groin

• sore throat

• a rash, which may be harder to see on black or brown skin

• headache

• tiredness

Book an appointment with your doctor if you have a very high temperature or you feel hot and shivery, have a severe sore throat, swelling either side of your neck, are experiencing extreme tiredness or exhaustion or have a sore throat that's not getting better.

Your doctor may request a blood test to verify the presence of glandular fever and to eliminate the possibility of other conditions, such as tonsillitis. The blood test will specifically check for the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which is commonly associated with glandular fever.

It's important to note that antibiotics will not be prescribed by the GP. This is because glandular fever is caused by a virus and antibiotics don't work against viral infections.

However, you should call 111 if you have difficulty breathing - you may be more short of breath than usual - or have difficulty and pain when swallowing. But if you cannot swallow, including your own spit, have severe difficulty breathing and severe stomach pain, call 999.

Treating glandular fever yourself:

Glandular fever typically improves on its own, and you should begin to experience relief within two to four weeks. But there are measures you can take to help alleviate the symptoms, such as rest, drink plenty of fluids and take pain killers (do not give aspirin to children under 16 years old). Avoid strenuous activities like heavy lifting or playing sports.

Can you stop glandular fever spreading?

Glandular fever can be transmitted through saliva, meaning you can catch it from kissing or sharing cups and utensils. You can spread the virus up to seven weeks before showing any symptoms, and you might still be contagious for a few months after recovering.

You can go back to work or school as soon as you start to feel better. To prevent glandular fever spreading wash your hands regularly and wash anything that may have your spit on it. Avoid kissing others and do not share cups, cutlery or give blood.

EBV can be detected in the saliva of individuals who have recovered from glandular fever for many months, and some may intermittently have the virus in their saliva for years even after their symptoms have subsided.

Possible complications

Complications associated with glandular fever are uncommon, but when they do occur they can be serious. They can include:

• further infections of other areas of the body, including the brain, liver and lungs

• severe anaemia (a lack of oxygen-carrying red blood cells)

• breathing difficulties as a result of the tonsils becoming significantly swollen

• a ruptured (burst) spleen, which may need to be treated with surgery