Duration with the baby

In babies and infants, Pfeiffer’s glandular fever does not usually last as long as in older patients. The differentiation from other “normal” viral diseases is, however, very difficult at this age because the symptoms of the disease hardly differ. From a sound medical point of view, it is therefore very difficult to make a statement in this regard. However, as already mentioned, it can be assumed that the disease does not last as long as it would in older children or adults.

How long before you can do sports again?

With the resumption of sporty activity one should be careful with Pfeiffer’s glandular fever. In about 50% of cases the disease is accompanied by swelling of the spleen. If the spleen is strained too much during sports, a rupture of the spleen capsule can occur.

In the worst case this culminates in the patient bleeding to death. In the first weeks of the disease, the affected person usually does not feel physically fit after sport and takes it easy. As a rule, it will take several weeks before one can start doing sports again. To prevent a spleen injury, however, it is advisable to consult a doctor to have the size of the spleen measured and obtain his consent.

Duration of antibiotic use

Taking antibiotics is not an option in the case of Pfeiffer’s glandular fever – as a viral disease. According to recent findings, antivirals (such as Aciclovir) can be used to slow down the proliferation of the virus. It is not uncommon for an allergic reaction to occur when antibiotics are taken.

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