Can humans get parvo
Everything You Need to Know About Parvovirus B19
Parvovirus B19 is a common virus that spreads from person to person. Its mostly passed through respiratory secretions, like saliva, mucus, or sputum. These can spread when people cough or sneeze.
You may have heard of parvovirus in cats and dogs. But B19 is different it only affects humans. You cant catch parvovirus B19 from pets, nor can you give it to them.
Most of the time, parvovirus B19 doesnt cause serious problems. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about
If you do experience symptoms, theyre likely to be mild. But some people may be at high risk for developing more serious problems if they catch this virus. Groups at higher risk include those who have weakened immune systems, are pregnant, or have certain types of anemia.
Parvovirus B19 can cause fifth disease, a classic viral illness, often with flu-like symptoms and then a rash. Some refer to it as slapped cheek syndrome because reddening of the cheeks is a classic symptom. Fifth disease can affect anyone, but it more often affects children.
Parvovirus B19 usually goes away on its own and often doesnt require any specific treatment.
Read on to learn more about parvovirus B19 in humans, whos at risk, and how to manage the virus.
Possible symptoms of parvovirus B19 in humans include:
- a raised rash on the torso, arms, or legs
- a pink or red rash on the cheeks and chin
- painful or swollen joints (more common in adults)
- fatigue
- low grade fever
- headache
- stomachache
The rash develops fairly late and usually goes away after about
In very rare cases, parvovirus B19 can cause your body to stop making new blood cells. This is called a transient aplastic crisis. You may be
- sickle cell anemia, an inherited disease that causes abnormally shaped red blood cells
- other types of anemia
- a weakened immune system from conditions like cancer and HIV, or an organ transplant
Parvovirus B19 is an infectious virus that spreads from person to person. It spreads through nasal secretions, saliva, or spit when a person sneezes or coughs.
It can also spread via:
- affected blood or blood products by plasma
- bone marrow or organ transplant
- a pregnant person to their baby
Anyone can develop human parvovirus, but school-aged children are more likely to develop fifth disease. About
You may be prone to experiencing symptoms or complications of the virus if you have:
- sickle cell anemia
- other types of chronic anemia
- a weakened immune system
Studies show that people with sickle cell anemia are more likely to become seriously ill if they get parvovirus B19. Sickle cell anemia is more common among:
- Black people
- people of Middle Eastern, Asian, Indian, and Mediterranean descent
- Hispanic Americans from Central and South America
In the United States, parvovirus B19 infections are
According to 2017 research, about
Typically, doctors diagnose human parvovirus by performing a physical exam and asking about your symptoms.
Sometimes, they may order a blood test if youre at high risk for complications. The blood test checks for antibodies your body produces to fight the infection.
A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test can also confirm parvovirus B19.
Pregnancy screening
If youre pregnant and your doctor suspects you have parvovirus B19, you may undergo further testing.
A doctor may order an antibody or PCR test on amniotic fluid or blood drawn from the umbilical cord. You might also need to undergo more frequent ultrasounds to monitor the fetus.
Pregnant people exposed to parvovirus B19 should let their doctor know right away.
For most people, human parvovirus will go away on its own without any need for treatment. However, medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil) can help relieve discomfort.
Its also important to get plenty of rest and drink enough fluids if you have the virus.
People or fetuses who develop severe anemia may need a blood transfusion.
Patients with weakened immune systems may receive special antibodies to treat the infection.
Some people who contract parvovirus B19 wont develop symptoms. Others experience mild symptoms that dont interfere with their daily lives for long.
People who are pregnant, have compromised immune systems, or have a form of anemia, may need to take special precautions if they develop parvovirus.
Most people clear the infection without issue and cant get it again. But people with weakened immune systems may develop chronic or reactivated parvovirus if they arent able to clear the virus fully.
Fetal outlook
In the rare case that a fetus contracts a parvovirus B19 infection from a birthing parent, the outlook depends on when the infection occurred.
According to
Theres no vaccine or treatment to prevent parvovirus B19. Still, you can reduce your risk of catching or passing the virus if you:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
- Cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Keep away from people who are sick.
- Stay home when youre sick.
Can I get parvovirus from my pet?
No, you cant catch parvovirus B19 from your pet, and your pet cant get it from you. The type of parvovirus that pets contract is different.
What is the incubation period for parvovirus?
It takes parvovirus B19 between 4 and 14 days to cause symptoms.
Can I spread parvovirus if I dont have any symptoms?
Yes, you can pass the virus to others if you dont have symptoms. Some people with parvovirus B19 dont develop any symptoms, but the infection is still contagious.
Is there a parvovirus vaccine?
Theres no vaccine to prevent parvovirus B19. Researchers developed a
Parvovirus B19 usually causes a harmless infection. But if you have a condition that affects your immune system, have sickle cell anemia, or are pregnant, you should see your doctor if you think you have the virus.
Like most contagious illnesses, the best way to stop the spread is to adopt healthy habits, such as frequent handwashing and physical distancing.
Symptoms and Complications
Symptoms
About 2 out of 10 people who get infected with this virus will have no symptoms.
When symptoms of parvovirus B19 infection occur, they are usually mild and may include the following:
- Fever
- Headache
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Rashes
- Joint pain
Rashes
The most common rash associated with parvovirus B19 infection is red rash on the face, also called a slapped cheek rash. This rash typically appears a few days after the initial symptoms listed above. It is more common in children than adults.
If you have a Parvovirus B19 infection, you may get a second rash a few days later on your chest, back, buttocks, or arms and legs. The rash may be itchy, especially on the soles of the feet. It can vary in intensity and usually goes away in 7 to 10 days, but it can come and go for several weeks. As it starts to go away, it may look lacy.
Painful or swollen joints
If you have a Parvovirus B19 infection, you may also develop pain and swelling in your joints. This is called polyarthropathy syndrome. It is more common in adults than children, and may occur more often in women. Some adults with parvovirus B19 infection may only have painful joints, usually in the hands, feet, or knees, and no other symptoms. The joint pain usually lasts 1 to 3 weeks, but it can last for months or longer. It usually goes away without any long-term problems.
Complications
Parvovirus B19 infection is usually mild for children and adults who are otherwise healthy. However, for some people, it can cause serious health complications affecting the nerves, joints, or blood system. It has been shown to cause a severe drop in the blood count (anemia) in some patients with certain blood disorders or with a weakened immune system.
You may be at increased risk from a parvovirus B19 infection if you have one or more of these health conditions:
- Pregnancy
- Blood disorders such as sickle cell disease and thalassemia
- Weakened immune system, which could be caused by conditions including:
- Leukemia or other cancers
- Organ transplant
- HIV infection
Diagnosis
Healthcare providers can often diagnose fifth disease just by seeing a slapped cheek rash on a patients face. There is no routine laboratory test to diagnose parvovirus B19 infection. In special circumstances, your healthcare provider may test your blood for parvovirus antibodies to determine if you are susceptible or possibly immune to parvovirus B19 infection or if you were recently infected.
Because of the risks of parvovirus B19 during pregnancy, anyone who is pregnant and may have been exposed to parvovirus B19 should contact their obstetrician or healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any questions about whether you should get tested.
Canine Parvovirus: What Is Parvo & Can Humans Get It
Parvovirus can be an extremely dangerous viral condition, but it can also be prevented. In this article we will be discussing this virus, covering diagnostics, treatments and how owners can help to prevent their dogs from catching this awful disease.
Plus, get a better understanding of what parvo actually is, and how to protect your pup.
What is parvo?
Parvo is a highly contagious virus that can occur in dogs of any age, but is more common in young puppies, and can cause significant health problems. The virus affects the gastrointestinal tract, which can make it difficult for a dogs body to absorb the nutrients it needs. Unvaccinated puppies are far more likely to catch this virus and, unfortunately, once a pup has this virus, it can often be fatal. But luckily, there are vaccines available that help to prevent dogs from catching canine parvovirus.
How do dogs get parvo?
The canine parvovirus is spread by contact with contaminated canine faeces which are often present wherever the infected dog has been whether that be in their home, in the local park, or a nearby field. The virus can also last for quite some time on objects or surfaces including food bowls, floors, clothing and peoples hands or collars, meaning that unfortunately your dog can become infected with parvo by simply encountering one of these infected objects. The parvovirus can also be very resilient, especially outside, where it can survive for up to 12 months. This means that a dog can catch this awful virus from another pup that has been in the same area a whole year before them!
What are the symptoms of parvo in dogs?
The canine parvovirus is a very dangerous infection, and owners should always be on the lookout for any symptoms that might point towards gastrointestinal issues. Some of the most common signs of parvo include:
- Diarrhoea often but not always with blood in it
- Vomiting
- Dehydration
- Lethargy
- Lack of appetite
If you notice any of these signs in your dog, its best to get in contact with your vet immediately, especially when you notice these symptoms in puppies, as they are the most susceptible to this infection and are also at increased risk of becoming dehydrated compared with adult dogs. Although the signs listed above wont always be caused by parvovirus, you should contact your vets if you notice them because they can be linked to other serious health problems.
Can humans get parvo?
Humans cannot catch parvovirus from their dogs. However, its important to make sure youre not spreading the virus from your dog to other environments or objects that could come into contact with another dog, as this can spread the infection. If you come into contact with an infected dog, make sure you wear protective clothing, including gloves, wash surfaces thoroughly and always wash your hands.
