What is mononucleosis and symptoms?
Pfeiffer is an infectious disease caused by Epstein Barr virus (EBV). Pfeiffer's disease is known in English as mononucleosis. Mononucleosis is characterized by a blood count with many abnormal lymphocytes.
The Epstein Barr virus (EBV), also called human herpes virus 4, is one of eight known herpes viruses that affect humans.
Symptoms of mononucleosis
Especially teenagers and young adults experience complaints with Pfeiffer. The symptoms are often milder in young children and adults.
With older age the complaints can be worse such as long-term severe fatigue, flu-like symptoms and swollen glands are common.
Most known symptoms of EBV infection
- Fatigue
- Flu-like symptoms
- Fever
- Sore throat lasts less than a week
- Headache
- Swollen lymph nodes in your neck, armpits and groin are typical for mononucleosis.
- Common: splenomegaly - enlargement of spleen (50% in cases, the patient's spleen is also very weak!), Hepatomegaly - enlargement of liver (12% in cases), which can lead to jaundice
- Sometimes you see a rash that looks like a red dog (rubella) especially in young children
- Children can also experience diarrhea and ear infections
Is Pfeiffer Contagious?
Yes. Like other herpes viruses, the Epstein Barr virus is spread through intimate contact - meaning bodily fluids, mainly saliva (kisses). It is also called "pillow sickness". Although it can also be passed on through blood and semen.
What are the consequences of mononucleosis?
Most people have an uncomplicated consequence of the EBV infection that clears up on its own within weeks.
However, some people develop complications including upper airway obstruction, chronic fatigue syndrome, neurological disorders, hepatitis or rupture of the spleen.
Incubation period of the disease
This varies from 4 days to 8 weeks. The incubation period may be shorter for children of primary school age, but it is not always correct.
What autoimmune diseases can be caused by the Epstein Barr virus?
Epstein-Barr virus protein may 'turn on' risk genes for autoimmune diseases. In others, the protein produced by the virus can activate genes associated with the risk of autoimmune disease.
Researchers believe the following 7 conditions are related to EBV:
- lupus
- multiple sclerosis
- rheumatoid arthritis
- inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's, ulcerative colitis)
- type 1 diabetes
- juvenile idiopathic arthritis
- celiac disease
The Epstein-Barr virus research in 7 autoimmune diseases.
Remember, EBV may be the reason your thyroid is underactive. It can cause you to gain weight, develop anxiety and depression, or lose sleep.
Treatment of mononucleosis
Will it pass by itself? A role of liver and spleen.
Pfeiffer's disease is usually harmless and it often disappears by itself. I disagree with this one. Like all viruses, the Epstein Barr virus tends to hide in the liver or spleen. They are often swollen or enlarged.
That's why I think it makes sense to support liver and spleen, including the lymph nodes that are often swollen.
Lymph nodes ensure, among other things, that waste products from viruses or bacteria leave the body through the blood. That is why you often see that lymph nodes are swollen in infectious diseases.
What can you use to detoxify the liver and spleen?
By the way, do you know that the virus in Latin means poison? So detoxing is the right word.
I personally recommend using herbs such as milk thistle, oregano, black cumin, artichoke or cat's claw or homeopathic droplets.
The right advice and treatment for EBV infection
There are many preparations on the market. It is better if I can give a personal advice to support spleen, liver and also lymph nodes in the process of clearing and detoxing.
I don't just look at the viral symptoms, but also at the whole person. How do your intestines work? Because 70% from our immune cells are produced in the intestines. Are there bacteria, parasites or overgrowth of yeasts such as candida? What is your eating, sleeping patterns, etc. Because these all contribute to human health.
Personal experience with EBV and viruses in general
My son became infected with the EBV infection around the age of 20. He was a student at the time and lived by rooms. His throat, tongue and lips swollen a lot. He was really sick. Then we didn't know what was going on. It was not until later that EBV antibodies were found in the blood.
My daughter also had a viral infection, one of the herpes viruses. Symptoms, especially fatigue, flu-like feeling and pale appearance. I immediately checked with her what was going on. It turned out she had contracted the herpes virus. I started treating her with herbs against viruses. It was fine until she got red circles under her eyes that weren't gone. Doctors didn't know what was going on, luckily a colleague of mine, naturopath suggested that her lymph system is “blocked”.
Indeed she had painful lymph nodes on her neck. After using herbs and drops to support lymphatic system within a day the red circles under her eyes were gone. It was hard to believe that this was resolved so quickly.
After a week of treatment she felt much better and was able to go back to school.
A holistic approach to dealing with viral infections.
In my practice I work holistically. Holistic healing involves the whole individual and not different parts of the body.
Laboratory, energetic studies and extensive questionnaires are indispensable in holistic therapy.
Do you have any questions? contact with me for personal advice and treatment
Nutrition, Lifestyle & Orthomolecular therapist
