How contagious is epiglottitis? | Epiglottitis – What is it?

How contagious is epiglottitis?

In itself, epiglottitis is very contagious. Its pathogens are transmitted by droplet infection. Those affected usually suffer from severe sore throats and often clear their throat, so that it is relatively likely that the pathogens are transmitted via the oral cavity.

The good news, however, is that in Germany many people are vaccinated against the typical pathogen of epiglottitis and are therefore immune. Infection is very unlikely in these cases. Contact with the sick person is therefore usually harmless.

Nevertheless, the disease requires physical protection, so that those affected should stay at home. And finally, there is the risk of other pathogens as a cause of the disease, so that social contacts should be avoided for the time being.