Parvovirus finds more children every day: how to stay safe?

More diseases attack immunity after winter in spring

Spring is not only associated with warmer weather and the awakening of nature but also with the rapid spread of diseases.

Bacteria and viruses cleverly take advantage of the period after the winter when our bodies are weakened. This leads to an increase in the number of colds and viral infections.

This spring is no exception. In addition to the spike in colds, there is also a rapid spread of parvovirus infections, which doctors are increasingly diagnosing now that measles is being closely monitored. Like measles, parvovirus infection manifests itself in rashes and most often affects young children.

There is no cure or vaccine for parvovirus infection, and the sufferer has to wait out the incubation period.

But don't be fooled: parvovirus can be extremely dangerous for adults, immunocompromised individuals, and pregnant women, so it is best to take precautions at peak incidence.

Parvovirus manifests itself as a rash, fever and joint pain

Parvovirus (strain B19) belongs to the family of viruses that can cause infection. Most strains of this virus affect animals such as cats and dogs.

Parvovirus B19 only infects humans without affecting animals, but humans and animals can be vaccinated against the disease^[1].

A person infected with parvovirus B19 may have a variety of symptoms depending on their age and general health, but one of the most obvious symptoms is a skin rash, which is particularly common on the face and cheeks.

As the disease progresses, the rash spreads and can appear all over the body. Rashes can become more intense and disappear again, often aggravated by heat and direct sunlight. The rash may then reappear.

Skin bumps and spots may also appear, and the rash may persist for a few days, up to a week or even several days.

Children are the most likely to be affected by the disease, but they are also the most likely to get it

The infection most often affects children aged around 3-15 years. Children are infected in kindergartens, schools and other places where children gather, most often in the warmer weather in March, April and May^[2].

The main symptoms of parvovirus in children are:

• Low temperature before the rash appears;
• A sore throat;
• Headache;
• Weakness;
• Digestive problems, including abdominal pain, nausea and diarrhea;
• Itching of the skin;
• Redness of the skin, rashes first red cheeks, followed by pink, painful papules, spots.

Parvovirus also affects adults, but the disease manifests itself in a slightly different way, e.g. by a sudden drop in haemoglobin levels, deterioration of joints.

And if a pregnant woman is infected with parvovirus, the disease can severely affect the fetus. There is then about a 30% risk that she will pass the infection on to the fetus, and in about 5-10% of such cases, the fetus dies.

In other cases, the fetus may develop various other complications such as fetal distress, hepatitis, severe anemia, inflammation of the heart muscle, or heart failure. 

The virus is also dangerous for people with blood disorders and immunosuppressed people.

However, the remaining 20% or so of parvovirus cases are completely asymptomatic, with infected individuals never knowing they are ill and passing the virus on to others.

The most common symptoms of parvovirus in adults are:

• In an adult, no rash is normally present.
• Symptoms similar to a minor cold are common: runny nose, sore throat, headache, low-grade temperature.
• Joint pain and swelling may be felt.

Parvovirus B19 can be spread from person to person via respiratory droplets, blood or blood products, and during pregnancy.

A person is most infectious in the early stages of infection, when fever or cold-like symptoms are present.

Usually, the disease is contracted within 5 to 15 days of contact with an infected person, but sometimes the virus can infect others about 10 days before the rash appears.

Once they appear, the virus is no longer transmitted. Once vaccinated, immunity is lifelong.

Parvovirus can be prevented by following normal hygiene and boosting immunity

To prevent infection with parvovirus, it is recommended to follow daily hygiene and disease prevention measures:

• wash your hands frequently with soap and water;
• cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing;
• avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands;
• avoid close contact with sick people;
• stay at home when you are sick.

Doctors also advise strengthening immunity in spring, when viruses are rampant. There are many ways to do this, but diet and rest are recommended.

Eat a balanced diet, including as much fresh fruit and vegetables as possible, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Also, try to include foods rich in vitamins C, E, and zinc in your daily diet.

Also, include foods rich in minerals and antioxidants in your diet. For example, various greens, garlic, ginger, turmeric, almonds, yogurt, and green tea.

In addition, try to get 7-9 hours of quality sleep every night. Sleep is essential for proper immune function and helps the body recover and repair.

Don't forget regular physical activity. As the weather warms up and the sun shines more often, it should not be too difficult to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day. This could be a simple walk, jogging, cycling or just working in the garden.