Children frequently get the widespread and infectious parvovirus infection. Because of the unique facial rash that develops, it is also known as slapped-cheek sickness. Parvovirus infection is also known as the fifth sickness since it was formerly ranked fifth on a list of frequent children diseases marked by a rash.
Most parvovirus infections in children are mild and require no therapy. However, in some people, the illness can be fatal. Infection with the parvovirus in certain pregnant women can cause major health complications for the fetus. The illness is also more severe in persons who have anemia or have a weakened immune system.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF PARVOVIRUS?
The majority of those infected with parvovirus show no signs or symptoms. When symptoms do arise, they vary widely depending on your age at the time you get the condition.
Symptoms of parvovirus in children
The following are possible early indications and symptoms of parvovirus infection in children:
- Fever
- Stomach ache
- Headache
- Runny nose
Face rash that is distinct
A unique bright red rash may occur on your child's face many days after the onset of early symptoms, generally on both cheeks. It may eventually expand to the arms, trunk, thighs, and buttocks, where the rash appears pink, lacy, and slightly elevated. Itching may occur, particularly on the soles of the feet.
The rash usually appears at the conclusion of the disease. It's possible to confuse the rash with another viral rash or a medication-related rash. The rash may appear and go over the course of three weeks, becoming more noticeable when your kid is exposed to high temperatures or spends time in the sun.
Adults with Parvovirus symptoms
Adults seldom acquire the slapped-cheek rash. Instead, joint discomfort that lasts days to weeks is the most visible sign of parvovirus infection in adults. Hands, wrists, knees, and ankles are the most usually afflicted joints.
When should you see a doctor?
In most cases, you do not need to see a doctor if you have parvovirus infection. Make an appointment with your doctor if you or your kid has an underlying disease that may raise the risk of problems. Among these conditions are:
- Sickle cell anemia
- Impaired immune system
- Pregnancy
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF PARVOVIRUS?
Human parvovirus B19 is responsible for parvovirus infection. Because this is not the same as the parvovirus seen in dogs and cats, you cannot get the infection from a pet or vice versa.
Human parvovirus infection is most frequent in primary school-age children during outbreaks in the winter and spring, although it can affect anybody at any time of year. It spreads from person to person, much like a cold, by breathing, coughing, and saliva, thus it can be shared through close contact and hand-to-hand contact.
Blood can potentially be used to disseminate parvovirus infection. A pregnant woman who is infected with the virus might pass it on to her child.
During the week before the rash shows, the sickness is communicable. Once the rash forms, you or your kid are no longer infectious and do not require isolation.
WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF PARVOVIRUS?
Parvovirus and anemia
Infection with the parvovirus can lead to major consequences in persons who are anemic. Anemia is a disorder in which the cells that transport oxygen throughout your body (red blood cells) are depleted quicker than your bone marrow can replace them. In persons with anemia, parvovirus infection can limit the synthesis of red blood cells, resulting in an anemia crisis. People with sickle cell anemia are especially vulnerable.
Anemia and accompanying problems can also be caused by parvovirus in:
- Unborn infants of pregnant women afflicted with parvovirus
- People with compromised immune systems
Infection with parvovirus during pregnancy
During pregnancy, parvovirus infection can harm the fetus's red blood cells. Although rare, this might result in severe anemia, which can lead to miscarriage or stillbirth. The risk to the fetus appears to be highest during the first half of the pregnancy.
Parvovirus in patients with compromised immune systems
In persons with weakened immune systems, parvovirus infection can also cause severe anemia, which can be caused by:
- Infection with HIV
- Cancer treatments
- Anti-rejection medications used following organ transplants
HOW IS PARVOVIRUS DIAGNOSED?
Approximately 50% of adults are immune to parvovirus infection, most likely due to an undiagnosed childhood illness. People who are at high risk of serious parvovirus problems may benefit from blood testing to establish whether they are immune to parvovirus or have recently gotten infected.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR PARVOVIRUS?
Self-care therapy at home is usually adequate for a simple parvovirus infection. People suffering from severe anemia may require hospitalization and blood transfusions. Those with compromised immune systems may benefit from immune globulin injections to treat the illness.
HOME REMEDIES FOR PARVOVIRUS
The primary goal of self-care treatment is to alleviate symptoms and discomfort. Make sure you or your child gets enough sleep and consumes enough of water. Acetaminophen (Tylenol, among others) may be used to treat high fevers or mild aches and pains.
When providing aspirin to adolescents or teens, proceed with caution. Although aspirin is permitted for use in children above the age of three, children and teens suffering from chickenpox or flu-like symptoms should never take it. This is due to the fact that aspirin has been connected to Reye's syndrome, an uncommon but potentially fatal illness in young children.
Isolating your ill child is both impracticable and unnecessary. You won't realize your child has parvovirus until the rash occurs, at which point he or she is no longer contagious.
HOW CAN PARVOVIRUS BE PREVENTED?
There is no vaccination available to protect against human parvovirus infection. Once infected with parvovirus, you have lifelong immunity. You may lower your risks of acquiring an infection by often washing your hands and your child's hands, not touching your face, avoiding sick individuals, and not sharing food or beverages.