In some patients, parvovirus B19 causes severe anemia that requires urgent hospitalization and people will be at risk of developing leukemia cancer when having a weakened immune system.1,2
Self-care treatment and home remedies primarily aim in relieving signs and symptoms and alleviating a range of complications.3
Drinking a lot of fluids and taking plenty of rest can help to ease the temperature and stay hydrated during this infection.4
What Is The Prognosis For Parvovirus B19 Infection?
Parvovirus B19 spreads through respiration secretions and blood & blood contacts. Any pregnant women who have contracted this infection should seek immediate medication attention because this condition leads to birth defects in the fetus and fetal loss in certain cases.
The most common illness of parvovirus B19 infection is a mild rash illness that can keep recurring for several weeks. A medical study was conducted on a 48-year old female physician who reported prolonged fatigue and arthritis associated complications.
The patient was under observation for nineteen months. A protrusion with swelling was noted on the right wrist. Radiographs of the wrist showed minimal degenerative changes of the radiocarpal joint and positive ulnar variance.
She was treated with immunoglobulin therapy that resulted in the clearance of parvovirus B19 viremia. The initial tear was treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs followed by intra-articular injection of corticosteroids. The patient underwent an orthopedic technique for the rebuilding of ulnar extrinsic muscles, arthroscopic surgery, and peripheral triangular fibrocartilage.
For several months, the joints were extremely lax with pain in motion when performing certain movements. The infused immunoglobulin therapy showed positive results and there was a definite improvement in the patient’s symptoms.1,2
Lifestyle Changes For Parvovirus B19 Infection?
There is no medicines or treatment to control parvovirus B19 infection. Parvovirus spreads through droplets of sneezes and coughs on dirty tissues and eating utensils. The condition is contagious from 3 – 14 days until it develops into a rash. During this contagious period, the infected individuals are unaware of the illness and tend to spread the infections unknowingly.
However, you can prevent the symptoms and reduce the chances of being infected by adopting the following measures.
- Washing your hands regularly with soap and water and stay hygiene
- Wear a mask when you have an infection or cover with your hands when you cough or sneeze
- Parvovirus B19 is a transmissible infection so avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth to prevent the spread.
- Avoid close contact with patients who show symptoms and tested positive.
- Keep yourself self-isolated and self-quarantined when feeling sick.3
After two weeks you will develop a bright red rash and you are no longer contagious. You are now safer to go back to work or return to school. Similarly, all healthcare providers and patients should follow strict infection control practices to prevent infection from spreading.
Mild infections of parvovirus B19 resolves on its own. Healthy adults and children recover completely however people with a weakened immune system develop a range of complications. Treatment involves relieving the symptoms and easing the pain.4
Parvovirus affects cats and dogs however parvovirus B19 affects only humans. When you are affected by this condition, you can show a range of symptoms often dependent on age and health factors. Approximately 2 in 10 people affected by this condition are asymptomatic whereas most cases show bright red rashes like slapped cheek and mild illness.
- https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/961063-treatment
- Lowry, Susan M., et al. “Case of Persistent Parvovirus B19 Infection with Bilateral Cartilaginous and Ligamentous Damage to the Wrists.” OUP Academic, Oxford University Press, 15 Aug. 2005, academic.oup.com/cid/article/41/4/42/341758.
- Musiani, Monica, et al. “Recurrent Erythema in Patients with Long-Term Parvovirus B19 Infection.” OUP Academic, Oxford University Press, 15 June 2005, academic.oup.com/cid/article/40/12/e117/316062.
- Publishing, Harvard Health. “Fifth Disease (Erythema Infectiosum).” Harvard Health, www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/fifth-disease-erythema-infectiosum-a-to-z.
Also Read:
- Fifth’s Disease or Slapped Cheek Disease or Parvovirus Infection: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment
- Parvovirus Infection in Humans: Incubation, Transmission, Symptoms, Treatment
- Can Parvovirus B19 Be Chronic & Is Parvovirus A DNA Virus?
- What Diseases Does Parvovirus B19 Cause & How Long Can Parvovirus Last In Humans?
- Can Parvovirus B19 Infection Cause Lupus & Does It Cause Joint Pain?
- Can Parvovirus B19 Infection Cause Rheumatoid Arthritis & Is It An Autoimmune Disease?
- What Does A Positive Parvovirus B19 IgG Mean & How Long Does Parvovirus IgM Stay Positive?
