Is Pfeiffer an STD? Everything you need to know about Pfeiffer's disease

Pfeiffer's disease, caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), is not an STD but is transmitted through saliva, often through kissing. Complaints such as fatigue, sore throat and fever can persist for weeks to months, and at Bloedwaardentest.nl you can order a comprehensive test to demonstrate the infection.

When talking about infectious diseases that can be transmitted through close contact, the question often arises: is Pfeiffer, also known as Pfeiffer's disease or mononucleosis infectiosa, a sexually transmitted disease (STD)? In this blog, we explain what Pfeiffer's disease is, how it is transmitted, what symptoms you can get, how long these symptoms can last, and discuss the testing options at Bloedwaardentest.nl.

What is Pfeiffer's disease?

Pfeiffer's disease, also known as kissing disease, is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). This virus belongs to the herpes virus family and is highly contagious. The virus is transmitted primarily through saliva, which explains the nickname "kissing disease." Although the virus is often transmitted through kissing, it can also be spread through other forms of close contact, such as sharing drinking glasses or cutlery.

Is Pfeiffer an STD?

Although Pfeiffer's disease can be transmitted through close contact, including kissing, it is not officially classified as a sexually transmitted disease (STD). An STD is specifically defined as an infection transmitted primarily through sexual contact. However, Pfeiffer can occur in people who are sexually active because it is spread through saliva, which can occur during intimate contact.

Symptoms in Pfeiffer's disease

1. Fatigue

• Description: Severe fatigue is one of the most characteristic symptoms and can last for long periods of time, sometimes even months.
• Duration: Fatigue can last for weeks to months, sometimes longer than six months in severe cases.

2. Sore throat

• Description: Sore throat and swollen lymph nodes are common.
• Duration: This symptom may persist for several weeks.

3. Fever

• Description: Mild to high fever is a common symptom.
• Duration: The fever usually lasts several days to weeks.

4. Muscle and joint pain

• Description: Pain in muscles and joints can occur.
• Duration: This may persist for several weeks.

5. Enlarged Lymph nodes

• Description: Especially in the neck, lymph nodes may be swollen and painful.
• Duration: Swelling can last for weeks.

6. Liver problems

• Description: In some cases, the liver may become inflamed (hepatitis), leading to jaundice.
• Duration: Liver problems are usually temporary, but may last several weeks to months.

7. Skin rash

• Description: Sometimes a skin rash may occur, especially after taking certain antibiotics such as amoxicillin.
• Duration: Skin rash usually disappears within a few weeks.

How long can the symptoms persist?

The duration of symptoms varies greatly from person to person:

• Acute Phase: Most symptoms last two to four weeks.
• Recovery period: Fatigue and weakness may persist for months after the acute phase.
• Prolonged Fatigue: In rare cases, chronic fatigue can last for months or even years.

What can you do about it?

There is no specific treatment for Pfeiffer's disease, but there are several ways to relieve symptoms and promote recovery:

1. Rest
• Description: Rest is essential to give the body time to recover.
• Advice: Get enough sleep and avoid strenuous physical activities.
2. Hydration
• Description: Drinking a lot helps to stay hydrated, especially with a fever.
• Advice: Drink water, herbal tea, and broth.
3. Pain Management
• Description: Over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can help relieve pain and fever.
• Advice: Use this medication according to a doctor's or pharmacist's recommendations.
4. Healthy Nutrition
• Description: A balanced diet can support the immune system.
• Advisory: Eat foods rich in vitamins and minerals, such as fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.
5. Sore throat relief
• Description: Sore throat can be relieved with gargling with salt water, lozenges or hot drinks.
• Advice: Avoid smoking and irritants.

Testing options for Pfeiffer disease at Bloedwaardentest.nl

At Bloodtesting.nl.com, Pfeiffer's disease is demonstrated by antibodies to the Epstein-Barr virus. The test includes three different analyses to provide a comprehensive diagnosis:

1. EBV Epstein-Barr Virus IgG Antibodies (old infection):
• What it measures: This test measures the presence of IgG antibodies to Epstein-Barr virus, indicating a previous infection.
• Why choose it: IgG antibodies often persist for life and can help determine if a person has been infected with the virus in the past.
2. EBV Epstein-Barr Virus IgM Antibodies (recent infection):
• What it measures: This test detects IgM antibodies to Epstein-Barr virus, which appear shortly after infection and indicate a recent or acute infection.
• Why choose: To demonstrate recent infection with Epstein-Barr virus.
3. EBNA Epstein-Barr Virus Nuclear Antigen (Epstein-Barr-NA-IgG):
• What it measures: This test detects IgG antibodies to the Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen, which appear several months after the initial infection and remain present for life.
• Why choose: To distinguish between a recent and a previous infection.

Price and Confirmation Tests

• The test price is higher than a simple screening test because multiple analyses are performed.
• With a positive IgG or IgM and a negative EBNA, a confirmation test (Blottest) is automatically performed to see if the virus is actually present. This helps to rule out false positive results.

For more information and to order a test, visit the following link:

• Pfeiffer's Disease Test at Bloedwaardentest.nl

If you have any questions or for more information, you can always contact the customer service of Bloedwaardentest.nl. We are ready to help you!