Can Parvo virus spread to humans?

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Parvovirus is a common infectious disease in children and adults. Although the disease is not life-threatening, it can have serious consequences for a person's overall health.

1. Parvovirus Overview

Parvovirus infection is a common childhood illness and it's highly contagious - sometimes called "slap-cheek disease" because of the distinctive rash it causes. Parvovirus infection is also known as "fifth disease" - one of the five most common diseases in children, characterized by the appearance of bright red spots on the face. The fifth disease is caused by a virus called Parvovirus B19.
Parvovirus B19 is a disease that only infects humans. A person can have a wide range of symptoms depending on their age and overall health. About two out of 10 people infected with this virus may not show specific symptoms of the disease. Others may have only mild illness or a rash.
In most children, Parvovirus infection is mild and requires little treatment. However, in some adults, the disease can cause a serious infection. Parvovirus infection in pregnant women can lead to serious health problems for the unborn baby. In addition, it is also more dangerous for people who are anemic or have weak immune systems.

2. Symptoms of Parvovirus B19

Parvovirus B19 is most common in late winter and early spring. Symptoms of Parvovirus infection depend on the age and health status of each person. Specifically:
Symptoms of Parvovirus in Children: Early signs and symptoms of Parvovirus infection in children may include:
Fever Stomach pain Headache Runny nose Late symptoms of Parvovirus infection in children are common rash on face. A few days after initial symptoms appear, a red rash may appear on both cheeks. It can then spread to the arms, trunk, thighs, and buttocks. The rash is usually pink, slightly raised. In addition, it can cause itching, especially on the soles of the feet.
In general, the rash usually occurs near the end of the disease. It is easy to confuse Parvovirus rashes with other viral or drug-related rashes. The rash can come and go for up to three weeks, which will become more pronounced if the child is exposed to extreme temperatures or spent too long in the sun.
Parvovirus symptoms in adults: Adults usually do not have a red rash on the cheeks. Instead, the most prominent symptom of parvovirus infection in adults is joint pain, which can last from days to weeks. The joints most commonly affected are the hands, wrists, knees, and ankles.
In general, you should not be too worried when you or your child is infected with Parvovirus. However, you may need to see a doctor if you have the following conditions:
Sickle cell anemia Weakened immune system During pregnancy

3. How is Parvovirus B19 transmitted?

Parvovirus B19 is spread through respiratory secretions, such as saliva, phlegm, or nasal mucus, when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Parvovirus B19 can also be spread through blood or blood products. Pregnant women infected with Parvovirus B19 can pass the virus to their babies. Therefore, if you are pregnant and may have been exposed to Parvovirus B19, you need to immediately contact your obstetrician for guidance and treatment as soon as possible.
Because Parvovirus B19 only infects humans, a person cannot get Parvo virus from a dog or cat. Also, dogs and cats cannot get Parvovirus B19 from an infected person. Pet dogs and cats can be infected with other Parvoviruses that are not contagious to humans. Therefore, pets need to be fully vaccinated to protect them from Parvovirus infection.
Parvovirus B19 is usually contagious in the period before the rash appears. When there is a rash, the infected person is no longer considered contagious and does not need to be isolated.

4. Complications of Parvovirus

Parvovirus causes anemia Parvovirus infection can cause serious complications for people with anemia, especially for people with sickle cell anemia. The most common condition with Parvovirus infection is stopping red blood cell production and causing an anemia crisis,
Parvovirus can also cause anemia and related complications in:
Fetuses of women infected with Parvovirus during pregnancy People with weakened immune systems Parvovirus affects pregnancy Parvovirus infection during pregnancy can adversely affect the red blood cells in the unborn baby. Although this complication is uncommon, it can cause severe anemia, leading to miscarriage or stillbirth. These risks usually appear during the first half of pregnancy.

5. Diagnosis of Parvovirus

To diagnose whether you have Parvovirus B19, your doctor will ask you to perform a blood test. This test is also particularly useful for pregnant women who have been exposed to Parvovirus B19 and are suspected of having fifth disease.

6. Prevention of Parvovirus

There is currently no vaccine or medicine to prevent infection with Parvovirus B19. However, you can reduce your chances of getting Parvovirus or infecting others by:
Wash your hands often with soap and water Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth Avoid close contact with people who are sick Stay home when you are sick Avoid sharing food or drinks. Source: CDC; Mayoclinic.org
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