What You Need to Know About Parvovirus, Especially if You Have Kids Going Back to School

Just in time for back-to-school season, parvovirus B19—sometimes called “slapped cheek” syndrome—is on the rise in the kids. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a health alert warning the public of increased activity in the U.S. for the respiratory virus that can be spread through coughs and sneezes.

Parvovirus B19, also known as human parvovirus (not to be confused with parvo in dogs), is highly transmissible, causing symptomatic or asymptomatic infection, per the CDC. So far, high-risk populations include children and people who work in close contact with them (like teachers and day care workers).

Here’s what to know about the virus and how you can protect yourself.

What is parvovirus B19?

Parvovirus B19 is a respiratory virus that infects humans, per the CDC.  Because the virus spreads through respiratory droplets, this means that when an infected person coughs or sneezes, the virus can be transmitted in the air. Close-contact environments like schools, day care centers, and households are common places where the virus can spread. In other words, it’s tough to avoid for families with school-aged kids.

Those with the virus may have the hallmark “slapped cheek” rash. That is, red cheeks on light skin or dark red or purple cheeks on dark skin. When this symptom is present, people have a form of Parvovirus B19 known as Fifth Disease (or Erythema Infectiosum), per the CDC.  But other symptoms can look a lot like a typical cold: Fever, coughing, headache, sore throat, and joint pain, per the CDC. It’s also possible for people with the virus to have no symptoms at all—which makes it difficult to detect.

Who’s most at risk

Young children

Children are at a higher risk of contracting parvovirus B19, particularly those in schools, day care settings, or other close-quarter environments, Debbie-Ann Shirley, MD, MPH, a clinical associate professor in the department of pediatrics at the University of Florida College of Medicine, tells Well+Good.

“Infection is common in children, and the greatest number of recent cases in the US was reported among children 5 to 9 years of age,” Dr. Shirley says.

Children are at risk because their immune systems are more vulnerable. Since they’re interacting with other kids in close spaces, there’s a higher chance for the virus to spread.

Pregnant people

While most adults have immunity from prior exposure, those who aren’t immune may contract the virus during pregnancy, leading to potential complications for the developing fetus, according to Dr. Shirley.

“Women who are pregnant can pass the infection on to their baby, occasionally this will result in miscarriage or other complications,” Dr. Shirley says.

However, according to CDC data, the majority of pregnancies where the mother is infected have not resulted in complications.

Immunocompromised people

Like most other viruses, parvovirus poses a greater risk to those with weakened immune systems.

People with compromised immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy, individuals with HIV, or organ transplant recipients, are also more susceptible to parvovirus, Dr. Shirley explains.

“Patients of any age with a weakened immune system or blood disorder, such as sickle cell disease, are at higher risk of more serious infection with Parvovirus B19 and can develop a very low blood count (anemia).”

A weakened immune system means the body is less capable of controlling the virus, allowing it to persist longer than it would in a healthy individual. This can result in chronic anemia or other complications, making management and treatment more challenging.

How to protect yourself and your kids

You know the drill: Protecting yourself and your family often means taking the same tried and tested precautions that you do every cold and flu season.

Practice good hygiene

You’ve heard it before and we’ll say it again: Wash your hands. Because the virus spreads through respiratory droplets, it can easily be transferred to surfaces or your hands, Dr. Shirley says.

Clean your hands—and your kids’ hands—regularly with soap and water, especially after coughing, sneezing, using the bathroom, being outside, or touching dirty surfaces. If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Avoid close contact with infected people

Because parvovirus is easily transmitted from person to person, avoiding close contact with someone who is infected can help prevent the spread of the virus. This is particularly important if someone in your household is sick.

If your child or a family member has been diagnosed with parvovirus, try to limit their contact with others until they’re no longer contagious, Dr. Shirley says. One bit of good news: If your child has Fifth Disease, once the “slapped cheek” rash appears on their cheeks, they’re no longer contagious, per the Cleveland Clinic. In schools or day care centers, be aware of any outbreaks and consider keeping your child at home if there are reports of it circulating.

Shore up your immune system

A healthy immune system is your best defense against infections, including parvovirus. While you can’t always prevent exposure to the virus, keeping your immune system strong can help your body fight off the infection more effectively. Ways to support immunity include:

• Ensure your family is eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and other nutrients that support immune health.
• Encourage regular physical activity, which helps boost the immune system.
• Make sure everyone in the family is getting enough sleep—rest is crucial for maintaining a strong immune response.

Speak up and ask your school questions

Although it might feel awkward—and nobody wants to be “that parent”—consider this your permission to ask about the policies for managing illnesses at your child’s school or day care center.

If there’s an outbreak, consider speaking with the school administration about the measures they’re taking to prevent further spread, and stay updated on any signs of illness in your child’s classmates and keep an eye on your child for any early symptoms of infection.

When to see a doctor

If you or your child are at higher risk for complications from parvovirus, it’s important to consult with your primary care doctor for advice on additional precautions you can take.

“If your child develops symptoms of parvovirus B19 such as fever, muscle aches, rashes or joint pains, keep them at home to prevent spread to others and notify your child’s healthcare provider, especially if your child has risk factors,” Dr. Shirley says.

Seek professional health advice if there’s a known exposure and someone in your household is at high risk. For pregnant people with concerns about the risk of parvovirus, your doctor can offer guidance and help with monitoring.

—reviewed by Jennifer Gilbert, MD, MPH