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Face 'Puffer Fish' Swelling: Glandular Fever Shock
8 May
Summary
- An 18-year-old's facial swelling was initially mistaken for flu.
- She was diagnosed with glandular fever, also known as the kissing disease.
- Chronic fatigue symptoms persisted for weeks after hospitalization.
An 18-year-old named Mollie Lock experienced alarming facial swelling that she initially mistook for flu or tonsillitis.
Her symptoms began with flu-like signs, including a cough and vomiting, leading to a prescription for antibiotics. However, a severe rash and dramatic facial swelling, described as resembling a 'puffer fish,' prompted her to seek further medical attention.
Admitted to the hospital, Mollie was diagnosed with glandular fever, often called the kissing disease. The swelling and rash were treated with intravenous fluids, but the discomfort and visible changes were profound.
Mollie spent five days in the hospital and subsequently faced three weeks of mandatory bed rest due to extreme fatigue. She is now on a phased return to work as she continues to recover from the lingering exhaustion.
She emphasizes the importance of seeking medical advice promptly, even when symptoms seem common, to ensure accurate diagnosis and management of illnesses like glandular fever.
