How Long Will It Take To Recover From Parvovirus B19 & How Long Does The Symptoms Last?

The severity of the Parvovirus B19 viral infection varies depending on the level of immunity but resolves in seven to 10 days.¹

In certain cases, the symptoms persist for a long time and produce chronic life-threatening complications.²

Medical studies demonstrate that in most cases, there are no signs and symptoms and the rash appear towards the end of the illness.^3,4

Most patients infected by this condition are asymptomatic or show minimal symptoms. Parvovirus B19 also recognized as the fifth disease shows flu-like syndrome causing nausea and diarrhea. A rash is the most classic symptom of the fifth disease noticed most in children than in adults.

The rash appears generally on the cheeks however after a few days the rashes appear on the check, arms, and buttocks. The patient may experience itchiness in the palm and sole of the feet. The symptoms vary in intensity depending on the immunity level of the affected individuals and usually go away in seven to ten days.

However, this is a recurring condition and can come and go for several weeks after the onset of the first attack.¹

Adults affected with human parvovirus may experience arthritis and painful joints and, in some cases, swelling is noticed in the joints. This condition is called polyarthropathy syndrome. It is a mimic of rheumatoid arthritis and present as acute episodes or it may become chronic. The pain typically lasts for 1 to 3 weeks however in worst cases it can last for months or much longer. However, in most cases, the condition resolves without resulting in serious complications.²

Many of the symptoms of parvovirus B19 such as fever, cough, runny nose, nausea, and rashes can occur with other illnesses as well. Nearly a quarter of the individuals affected by this condition exhibit minimal or no symptoms. Nevertheless, there are a few common symptoms that differ from other illnesses. This includes a bright red rash called slapped cheek to appear on the face about 2-3 weeks after exposure to the parvovirus B19.

Pregnant women developing slapped cheek during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy may enhance the risk of miscarriage. Women affected during 9-20 weeks of pregnancy posses only a small risk and this fetus may develop fetal hydrops ( a serious fetal condition resulting in the accumulation of fluids in one or more fetal compartments)

The rash fade after some time however it keeps recurring when the individual is exposed to heat such as in a warm bath or direct sunlight. In some cases, the rash may last several weeks or may not appear at all.

Adults don’t develop slapped cheek instead they develop sore joints that may last for days to weeks. Hands, wrists, knees, and ankles are generally affected by joint pain. Parvovirus B19 can cause serious complications in people with severe anemia. In such cases, immediate medical attention will be required.^3,4

Parvovirus B19 is a common childhood illness that causes erythema infectiosum, transient aplastic crisis during viral propagation in the bone marrow cells eventually destroying marrow elements.

The condition forces the bone marrow to stop producing red blood cells for a certain period causing serious anemia in immunosuppressed patients and arthritis in adults that can be acute or chronic. The condition is diagnosed with polymerase chain reason and dot blot hybridization.

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Also Read:

• Can Parvovirus B19 Be Chronic & Is Parvovirus A DNA Virus?
• Can Parvovirus B19 Infection Cause Lupus & Does It Cause Joint Pain?
• What Does A Positive Parvovirus B19 IgG Mean & How Long Does Parvovirus IgM Stay Positive?
• What Do My Parvovirus B19 Test Results Mean & What Is The Best Medicine For It?
• How Does Parvovirus B19 Affect Pregnancy & What Are The F.A.Q’s?
• How Did I Get Parvovirus B19 Infection & What Is The Best Treatment For It?
• Can Parvovirus B19 Infection Go Away On Its Own & What Are Its Natural Remedies?