There are many different disease names for this type of skin infection including slapped-cheek disease, and fifth disease. Doctors often call it parvoirus infection or erythema infection.

Parvovirus infection is the fifth common disease that includes: measles, rubella, scarlet fever and dukes' disease.

Parvovirus is a common and usually mild infection.

Signs and Symptoms:

• Fatigue, headache, itching, slight fever, and sore throat.
• The rash is bright red. The initial symptoms can last up to 10 days.
• The rash will show up near the end of the illness.
• Adults may experience soreness in the joints.
• It can occur at any time and can be managed using over-the-counter meds.
• Look at discount places for non-prescription topical cream.
• The human parvovirus B19 is not the same infection that dogs and cats receive.
• The infection is contagious in the week before the rash.
• If you suspect parvovirus in your child and he/she is running a fever of 102F or greater, call the pediatrician on call.
• If an individual has any chronic infections such as chronic anemia paravovirus can lead to serious anemia.
• Those with weakened immune system should be especially careful as well as those with cancer treatment or organ transplant.
• Doctor's can usually make a diagnosis by visual inspection. Blood tests can be performed to check for immunity.
• Pregnant women are at risk for fetal anemia, which can lead to congestive heart failure due to the weather.
• Complications can also arise if someone has sickle cell anemia or have immune system issues.

Treatment:

Normally the parvovirus infection can be treated at home. The rash does not need treatment.

Those who have severe anemia need to be hospitalized and receive blood.

Antibodies are needed when individuals have weakened immune systems and get this infection.

Pregnant women will need to be monitored carefully if they get the infection during pregnancy. They need blood or medications if the baby becomes anemic, suffers edema, or develops heart failure.

Prevention:

Currently there is no vaccine to prevent parvovirus infection. One way to help prevent the spread of this skin infection is to wash your hands and teach kids to wash their hands properly. Make sure that used tissues are thrown away after use and wash hands after using tissues.

Treatment At Home:

Relieving the symptoms is about all you can do. Tylenol for any discomforts. Drink lots of fluids. Watch for any fevers and control with Tylenol. Do not use aspirin. Once the rash appears, the child is no longer contagious.