Poorly teenager

[JellySlice]

My 18yo ds has been vaguely under the weather for 2-3 weeks. Started off as a cold, got over that, but never really got better. Hasn't looked too bad most of the time, just a bit tired. Being going to school, to extra-c activities, to work, but doing less socialising than usual.

This afternoon he asked me to buy more ibuprofen. Turns out he's been taking it on and off for over a week, and regularly since Saturday, and has a temperature of 39.6C when it wears off. He has been shivery and had sore throat and night sweats, only partially relieved by the ibuprofen, for over a week.

Because ds feels he can function adequately when dosed up, he doesn't want to take any sick leave.

I know he's technically an adult, but ds is still my boy, under my care. I've had Post Viral Fatigue after a bout of (real) flu, and I know a couple of people who developed CFS after viral illnesses. I'm not sure how long I should let ds go on like this, before putting my foot down and enforcing some rest.

Could it be glandular fever? If he has been feeling unwell for that long I think it wouldn’t be unreasonable to see a GP. Any other symptoms apart from fever?

Sorry reread and saw sore throat. This was exactly how my brother was át 18 with glandular fever. Only complete rest is the cure for glandular fever is the early stage

I put my foot down last night.

GP says possibly GF, but more likely tonsillitis. So ds is on antibiotics and off work.

Honestly, men! Clearly ds takes after his excessively stoic father: "It's just a little scratch", as the blood gushes out.

Just to warn you if it is gf he may come out in a rash if antibiotics are given. If he doesn’t respond it’s worth pushing for blood test

Glandular fever! I’d put money on it. Did the GP do a blood test for it? It’s really important that he rests if it’s GF as there can be damage to the spleen and if there are complications liver function etc can be affected.