What is glandular fever?
Pfeiffer's Glandular fever is an infectious disease that is triggered by the Epstein-Barr virus. This virus belongs to the family of herpes viruses. The disease is widespread worldwide and occurs throughout the year. About 90 percent of people have been infected with the virus at least once by the time they are 30 years old.
How is glandular fever transmitted?
The Epstein-Barr virus, which is the cause of Pfeiffersche glandular fever, is spread via body fluids and transmitted . It is mainly found in saliva. It is mainly found in saliva, which is why people often contract through close body contact and when kissing. For this reason, Pfeiffer's glandular fever is also called the kissing disease. However, many children also become infected with the pathogen because they put toys in their mouths and then exchange them with each other. The kissing generation, especially young adults, are also at risk for glandular fever. Infection is also possible through sexual intercourse, organ donations and blood transfusions, but is less common.
How long is the incubation period and how long is one considered contagious?
The period between infection with the virus and the onset of symptoms is called the incubation period and is quite long in the case of Pfeiffer's glandular fever. The incubation period here is about four to six weeks. However, a period of three months is also possible. During this time, unknowingly, you already infect other people without being ill yourself.
Freshly infected people pass on the virus particularly easily. During this phase, a particularly large number of pathogens are excreted in saliva. Even after the symptoms have disappeared, this is still the case. Therefore, it is essential to refrain from kissing and avoid unprotected sexual intercourse in the first few months after an infection with . Once you have contracted glandular fever, the virus remains in your body for life. The body's own defences can keep the pathogens in check quite well. This is why the disease usually does not break out again. However, the Epstein-Barr virus is always released again in saliva. That is why everyone who carries the virus is contagious in phases.
What are the symptoms of glandular fever?
The main symptoms of glandular fever are Tonsillitis and pharyngitis with swelling of the lymph nodes . The symptoms of glandular fever include fatigue and fever. In most cases, symptoms of fatigue and fever are also present . In children, glandular fever usually runs its course without symptoms or with only mild symptoms. The reason for this is that the immune system of children does not yet react so strongly to the Epstein-Barr viruses. In adults, on the other hand, mostly flu-like symptoms occur, which is why the disease is also often mistaken for a normal cold. However, it is also possible for the disease to take a severe course with complications.
The main symptoms of glandular fever are as follows:
- Throat inflammation: Characteristic of Pfeiffer's glandular fever is a very strong sore throat with pronounced discomfort when swallowing. An intense reddening of the throat is also possible.
- Pronounced faintness: During the acute phase, sufferers feel extremely weak and listless.
- Swollen spleen: Pfeiffer's glandular fever puts an enormous strain on the spleen, which is the organ responsible for the body's defence against disease. This is why it usually swells during the illness and can even rupture in the worst case.
What complications and late effects can arise from glandular fever?
In the majority of cases, glandular fever runs its course without complications. However, life-threatening courses with complications are also possible in some cases. These include the following:
- Severe throat swelling: It becomes particularly dangerous when the immune system reacts so violently to the pathogen that the mucous membrane in the throat swells strongly. This not only makes swallowing almost impossible, but can also hinder breathing.
- Ruptured spleen: The spleen can swell so much that it ruptures from bumps or falls. The resulting internal bleeding can become life-threatening.
- Inflammation of the liver: The virus also affects the liver in some cases. The result is inflammation of the liver, which can be accompanied by jaundice.
- Skin rash: About ten percent of those affected develop a raised and blotchy rash on the skin.
- Paralysis symptoms: If the virus attacks the nervous system, inflammation occurs with symptoms of paralysis, which in the worst case can also threaten breathing .
- In some patients, the virus even reaches the brain and causes meningitis in addition to encephalitis.
How is glandular fever diagnosed?
If is suspected of having glandular fever, patients usually go to to see their family doctor. He or she will first take the patient's medical history and then perform a physical examination. In most cases, the reddened throat and the swollen lymph nodes are already a sure sign that it is Pfeiffersche Drüsenfieber. However, in order to be able to exclude other diseases with similar symptoms, a throat swab is sent to the laboratory, where it is examined for the pathogen . The Epstein-Barr virus can be detected in the blood with the help of an antibody test .
How is glandular fever treated?
The treatment for glandular fever is purely symptomatic. This means that tries to relieve the symptoms such as fever, pain and difficulty swallowing. Medicines such as ibuprofen or paracetamol can be taken for this purpose. Physical rest is essential in an infection with the Epstein-Barr virus. If there are complications, further treatment will be necessary. If throat swelling becomes so severe that breathing becomes difficult , the patient must receive intensive medical care in hospital . Otherwise, there is a risk of suffocation. A ruptured spleen must also be treated immediately in hospital, or better, operated on, as otherwise the affected person will bleed to death.
Is there an obligation to report glandular fever?
According to the Infection Protection Act, there is no obligation to report glandular fever or Epstein-Barr virus.