Parvovirus infection- are your children at risk?
Overview of Parvovirus infection
Parvovirus infection, also known as slapped cheek disease is characterized by a distinctive rash that appears on the face especially cheeks. The virus called as Human Parvovirus B19 is responsible for this condition. It spreads through hand to hand contact and respiratory secretions. Incubation period of the virus is 4-20 days before the appearance of rash. This disease is highly contagious and typically found in children. It is termed as “fifth” disease.
Parvovirus infection can be fatal if it occurs in adults who have weak immune systems. This condition causes worsening of anemia by reducing body’s ability to produce red blood cells. If it occurs in pregnant women, it may interfere with red blood cells of fetus, causing severe anemia. The fetus may need blood transfusions or medication administered through placenta. Conditions like HIV AIDS, anti rejection drugs used after organ transplant and some cancer treatments usually weaken immune system which is unable to fight back the virus.
The illness is contagious in the week before the rash appears. Once the rash appears, the person with the illness is no longer considered contagious and doesn't need to be isolated.
Symptoms of Parvovirus infection
Rash is common symptom of this disease. Not all infected people develop symptoms of this disease. Once the rash appears, the person can no longer pass the virus to others and hence need not to be isolated.
Parvovirus symptoms in children
This viral infection often causes distinctive facial rash in children. It is bright red in color and appears on both the cheeks. It may gradually extend to arms and trunk. The rash may last for 3 or more weeks.
Some children may also experience fever, soreness of throat and fatigue. In some cases, headache and upset stomach are also experienced.
Parvovirus symptoms in adults
Parvovirus infection is more critical in adults and they do not usually develop rash like symptoms. Rather, symptoms are more severe in nature. Adults affected by this virus experience joint pain and inflammation which may last for several weeks. Joints of hands, ankles and knees are usually affected. Incase conditions like sickle cell anemia or weakened immune system are present, it is recommended that individuals should approach their doctors as soon as possible.
Parvovirus infection diagnosis and Treatment
Whether a person is affected by the virus can be determined by conducting blood tests which look for existence of virus and antibodies. In most of the cases, self care home treatments are sufficient. It is necessary to take rest and drink lots of fluids. Medicines like acetaminophen can be used to relieve fever.
In severe cases of infection, where anemia is present, individuals undergo blood transfusions. If immune system is altered, the person is administered immune globin infections to provide him with antibodies.
Since there is no any particular vaccine to prevent this viral infection, preventive strategies like hand washing, maintaining good hygienic practices will be helpful.
About the Author
Dylan Zand is a Health Content Writer For Royalpharmacy.net, adviser by profession. He is completed his post graduation in Bio-tech. And he is working with this new pharmacy medicine like Kamagra Soft Tabs, Cialis Jelly and Kamagra Fizz in the internet market there many topics he has written for this and he got the good experience.
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