I have an extreme sore throat, swollen glands and no fever...?

This has been going on for about 3 weeks now. I went to the doctor at the beginning of the week to get tested for strep--it was negative. She told me it must be allergies, gave me some Claritin, collected my $20 copay and sent me on my way. I've never had allergies before in my life, so i have a hard time believing that's what the problem is. I'm not congested at all, i don't have a fever, but i feel like I'm swallowing razor blades. I also had a fit of the chills a few days ago. I've tried over the counter medicines, nasal spray, and allergy meds--nothing seems to work. Any ideas as to what this could be?!