There are a variety of diseases that can affect children, many of which are caused by viruses, so parents must always be aware of any changes that may occur since these are very contagious. There are cases where children are affected by infections that have repercussions on the body and that may need a timely response from the parents to take the child to an appointment with the pediatrician, mainly if this infection produces rashes in the baby that include the cheek, arms, and legs, which can be caused by parvovirus B19 or also called infectious erythema. It is a frequent disease in children, mainly in preschool and school ages. Still, very little is known by parents, and that is why, in this FastlyHealarticle, we explain everything about parvovirus B19: symptoms, contagion, and treatment.
Table of Contents
What is parvovirus B19
The B19 parvovirus, or fifth disease, is caused by the virus of the same name, also called the fifth disease. It is characterized by a rash or rash on the skin that covers various parts of the body. This virus only affects humans and is different from the one that involves animals, such as canine parvovirus, which affects dogs but not people. This disease usually presents mild symptoms. However, pregnant women, people with a weak immune system, anemia, or people with cancer are seen as a risk factors.
Symptoms of parvovirus B19
Parvovirus B19 presents signs and symptoms typical of the disease, mainly recognized by the reddish rash on the cheeks, legs, arms, and trunk. It is easily mistaken for a common cold because the child has symptoms of parvovirus B19 that are very similar to those of the cold:
- Stuffy nose
- Runny nose
- Fever
- Dolores
- Fatigue
- Itching or itching
However, as the days go by, the characteristic rash of the lesion appears as if they were “slaps on the cheeks.”
In case of being affected, an adult presents joint pain, and pregnant women risk abortion, fetal anemia, or intrauterine fetal death. Another possible feature of the disease is that it worsens in those with hemolytic disorders, causing the red blood cell count to drop. In addition, it produces skin alterations, such as vascular purpura, bullous erythema multiforme, etc.
Apart from the above symptoms, individuals have swollen glands, red eyes, diarrhea, etc. A percentage of people (around 20%) acquire parvovirus B19 but have no symptoms.
How is parvovirus B19 spread?
Parvovirus B19 is rarely present in adults. However, there are cases where adults are infected with this disease. It is most common in children of preschool and school-age and is spread from one person to another through fluids, such as saliva or sputum, that come from the nose or mouth, and this occurs when a person sneezes or coughs. It is also spread from the pregnant mother to the fetus, producing a severe disease in it, and, in addition, it affects even more, those children who have anemia.
It is not the same virus that affects animals; therefore, people cannot get yours, the one that produces parvovirus in animals, nor can they get ours; that is, parvovirus B19 is only spread from one person to another.
It is more common for the contagion to occur before the rash appears because this rash is already a response of the immune system that appears when the infection has passed, so after this, in principle, that person will no longer be contagious.
Treatment for parvovirus B19
The fifth disease produced by the virus of the parvovirus B19 is a disease that is resolved quickly and painlessly.
Despite being produced by a virus, this disease has no antiviral on the market that eliminates this disease since it presents very mild symptoms, and they usually disappear. It is recommended to treat the signs that it produces to calm the discomfort in the person, in addition to rest.
In case of itching in the rash, good communication with the pediatrician is necessary to recommend a treatment to calm this sensation in the child.
There is no prevention method because there are no vaccines for this disease; not even isolating the sick person will prevent it from spreading to another person. It is recommended to maintain excellent hygiene in the articles used by the ill person.
This disease resolves without any complications. However, children with a weak immune system are seen as a risk factor, at least in the case of HIV, AIDS, or blood disorders, since the disease tends to be more dangerous for them.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Parvovirus B19: symptoms, contagion and treatment , we recommend that you enter our Immune system category .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.