Anyone have info on parovirus

[stephen11]

Hi,

My gs has been diagnosed with this virus and has hives. Doctors say once the hives are apparent, the virus is not contagious anymore.

His legs are very sore - joint pain.

Our family has been passing around a cold for a few weeks now, but we never heard of the parovirus before.

Steve

 

[SueM in MN]

I saw Parvovirus (also called 5th Disease) when I was a school nurse.
The most characteristic sign in children is usually red cheeks that almost look like the child was slapped on the cheeks. The rash is often itchy, but it is described as a "lacy" rash; I have never heard it described as hives (although, I guess since it is itchy, some people might call it hives). Adults are more likely to have joint pains than kids.
Most kids recover with no problem. And, the doctor is right that once the rash is seen, the child is no longer contagious. The rash may come and go for weeks. I remember some kids would appear to be 'rash-free' and come in from recess in the cold with the rash visible again.

Here is some good information from the Centers for Disease Control website:
Parvovirus webpage

Mayo Clinic also has good information (with a good picture of the cheek appearance).

 

[mouseketeer_mom]

All of my kids had this when they were younger. I'd heard it called 5ths disease but as soon as my grandmother saw my kids, she called it "slap cheek". Just your run of the mill virus but I remember something about really wanting to make sure a pregnant woman wasn't exposed to them while they were sick. Not sure if that is a valid concern or part of an old wives tale.

 

[stephen11]

Thanks for the info Sue - some symptoms seem the same, but today he was crying hard with pains in his legs and would not put any pressure on them. He is only 2 1/2 years old. The rash seemed like hives on his trunk and face. We are calling the doctor again tomorrow, but on Friday, the doctor seemed to think it was very common. Still very worrisome...



Steve

 

[LISAVWL]

I had parvovirus a couple of years ago. From what I understood from the DR it's the adult version of 5ths disease (viral infection) that the kids get. I had a rash all over my belly then severe swelling of my wrists, hands, ankles and feet and tremendous joint pain for about 4 days. I took medication -- I cannot remember which -- and began to feel better within about a day.

 

[stephen11]

Thanks so much for all your responses.

He had severe leg pain on Thursday and Friday (could not put any pressure on his legs) then seemed good on Saturday - and then today, fine all morning - jumping around like crazy and the late in the day really bad leg pain. The hive-like rash seems to come and go.

Hopefully, he will be better tomorrow.

Thanks again...
Steve

Hopefully, it will get better soon.

 

[RMulieri]

your way. My 5 yr old had 5th disease and was miserable , and then I got the adult version...Which was awful..It gets better though...Hang in there

 

[Scurvy]

All of my kids had this when they were younger. I'd heard it called 5ths disease but as soon as my grandmother saw my kids, she called it "slap cheek". Just your run of the mill virus but I remember something about really wanting to make sure a pregnant woman wasn't exposed to them while they were sick. Not sure if that is a valid concern or part of an old wives tale.

No, it's not an old wives' tale. Even though Fifth Disease is not particularly harmful to children who get it, it can be extremely dangerous for pregnant women. It can actually cause miscarriage. It is really important to warn any pregnant women who might have been exposed to Fifth Disease so that they can get to their doctors ASAP. It also tends to be highly contagious among schoolchildren, so teachers need to be made aware if a child in school or daycare has it, so they can warn the other parents (as well as any pregnant teachers!).

 

[SueM in MN]

No, it's not an old wives' tale. Even though Fifth Disease is not particularly harmful to children who get it, it can be extremely dangerous for pregnant women. It can actually cause miscarriage. It is really important to warn any pregnant women who might have been exposed to Fifth Disease so that they can get to their doctors ASAP. It also tends to be highly contagious among schoolchildren, so teachers need to be made aware if a child in school or daycare has it, so they can warn the other parents (as well as any pregnant teachers!).

The problem is that by the time it is diagnosed, it is no longer contageous.
But it is important that pregnant women talk to their doctor if they know they have been exposed. There is information in both articles I posted previously.

 

[Deniselovesdisney]

Two of my 3 kids have recently had fifths disease (actually my daughter has it now and my son had it about a week ago). It has been going around their daycare. We never would have known that they had it if it wasn't for the rash. Luckily, neither of them have had any joint pains or any other problems, just the rash. I am just waiting for my youngest daughter to break out in the rash now. Hope your son feels better soon.