5 signs to spot in your child and what to do if they catch the disease?

For about a year, France has been facing an unprecedented increase in cases of Parvovirus B19 disease. In a statement published Monday April 22, Public Health France is indeed warning of an increase in Parvovirus B19 infections due to a “epidemic affecting all age categories and in particular children” Who “started in May 2023”reports BFMTV.

Even more worrying, 5 babies have died from Parvovirus B19 since the start of the year, a number higher than the annual average of 1.8 deaths. Among them, 4 died very soon after birth following a maternal infection, while the last died at the age of 8 months, without any particular health problems.

How is Parvovirus transmitted and what are the symptoms?

Parvovirus B19, which is transmitted by direct contact with an infected person (respiratory droplets, sneezing, blood, handshakes, etc.), is often benign. It can nevertheless cause several symptoms in young people. Here are the signs to look out for and watch out for if you think your child is suffering from it:

• Rash : The most common symptom associated with parvovirus B19 is a rash, often described as a “slap”-shaped rash on the cheeks, which can spread to the arms, legs, and chest.
• Flu symptoms : Children infected with parvovirus B19 may experience fever, usually mild to moderate, congestion or runny nose, and headache.

• Joint pain : Some infected people, including children, may experience joint pain, especially in the knees, wrists and ankles. This is called “viral arthritis”.
• Anemia : in some cases, parvovirus B19 can cause anemia (an abnormal drop in hemoglobin levels in the blood), but this generally remains temporary, mild and self-limiting.
• Complications in immunocompromised children : In children with weakened immune systems, parvovirus B19 can cause more serious complications, such as severe blood problems.

What to do if your child catches Parvovirus?

If you think your child has parvovirus B19, here are some steps to take:

• Consult a healthcare professional : If your child has unusual symptoms such as rash, fever, joint pain, consult a doctor or pediatrician immediately. An examination may be necessary, particularly to confirm the diagnosis.
• Rest and hydrate : Make sure your child gets enough rest and drinks enough water. This is essential to help your immune system fight infection and keep you healthy.
• Relieve symptoms : Depending on your child’s symptoms, the doctor may recommend certain things to help. For example, medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be prescribed to reduce fever and relieve pain.

• Self-isolate : Parvovirus B19 is very contagious, it is important to keep your child at home and limit contact with other people to avoid spreading the infection. Also inform people usually in contact with your child, such as school or daycare, so that they can take the necessary precautions.
• Monitor the progress of the disease : Be sure to follow your doctor’s aftercare instructions. Often, parvovirus B19 infection goes away on its own (and without serious complications), but in some cases it may be important to monitor symptoms for progress, especially in children with other health problems. health or a weakened immune system.

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Rights of women and children, violence, feminism, gender, discrimination, parenthood, education, psychology, health, couple, sexuality, social networks…. Joséphine loves deciphering all the social issues that drive our world…