• fever
• sore throat
• enlarged lymph nodes, especially in the neck and armpit
• general discomfort, uneasiness, or ill feeling
• drowsiness
• loss of appetite
• muscle aches or stiffness
• enlarged spleen
• rash

Less frequently occurring symptoms include:

• jaundice (yellow cast to skin)
• headache
• neck stiffness
• sensitivity to light
• cough
• shortness of breath
• chest pain
• rapid heart rate
• fatigue
• nosebleed
• hives

During a physical examination, the doctor may find enlarged lymph nodes in the front and back of the neck, as well as swollen tonsils with the whitish covering. The doctor might also find an enlarged liver or enlarged spleen when pushing on your belly. There may be a skin rash present.

Laboratory findings often include an elevated white blood cell count, and the characteristic finding of atypical lymphocytes -- unusual-appearing white blood cells that are seen when blood is examined under a microscope. Abnormal liver function tests are also characteristic.

Common tests for EB include:

• A monospot test (positive for infectious mononucleosis)
• Epstein-Barr virus antigen by immunofluorescence (positive for EBV)
• Epstein-Barr virus antibody titers can help distinguish acute infection from past infection with EBV