Which condition is characterized by a sudden onset of fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes?

Mononucleosis, often caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, typically presents with a sudden onset of symptoms that include fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes. The fever may be high and persistent, the sore throat can be severe, and the lymphadenopathy (swelling of lymph nodes) is notably pronounced, particularly in the posterior cervical region.

This combination of symptoms is classic for mononucleosis and helps differentiate it from other conditions. Influenza may also cause fever and sore throat, but it tends to present with additional respiratory symptoms like cough and body aches. Strep throat primarily manifests with a severe sore throat and may involve fever, but is characterized by the absence of the more extensive lymphadenopathy seen in mononucleosis. Tuberculosis can cause systemic symptoms like fever and lymphadenopathy, but it usually presents with a chronic cough and weight loss, differentiating it from the acute presentation of mononucleosis.

Thus, the characteristic combination of sudden onset fever, significant sore throat, and notably swollen lymph nodes is most aligned with mononucleosis.