Does anyone know about the Parvo virus -- My dogs got a vaccine for it; Do humans get vaccines? I caught it.?

Question

I'm feeling socked cuz actually I have 2 viruses / My naturopathic doctor told me. What will I take? Vit B & C, Zinc, Echinacea, Cats Claw herb, and other herbs I can't spell. Anyone else know what to take??

Answer 1

Introduction

Doctors today refer to it as parvovirus infection or erythema infectiosum. Some people may call it slapped-cheek disease because of the face rash that develops resembling slap marks. Parvovirus infection is also commonly called fifth disease because it was fifth of a group of once-common childhood diseases that all have similar rashes. The other four diseases are measles, rubella, scarlet fever and Dukes' disease.

Whatever the name, parvovirus infection is still a common but mild infection in children that generally requires little treatment. However, parvovirus infection in some pregnant women can lead to serious health problems for the fetus. Parvovirus infection is also more serious for adults with some kinds of anemia or who have a compromised immune system.

Signs and symptoms


Most children with parvovirus infection feel well. Some develop mild, cold-like signs and symptoms early in the illness:

* Sore throat
* Slight fever
* Upset stomach
* Headache
* Fatigue
* Itching

Several days later, a distinctive bright red facial rash usually appears on both cheeks. Eventually it may extend to the arms, trunk, thighs and buttocks where the rash has a pink, lacy, slightly raised appearance.

Generally the rash occurs near the end of the illness. It's possible to mistake the rash for other viral rashes or a medicine-related rash. Infants and toddlers develop the same signs and symptoms that school-age children do.

The initial symptoms typically last five to 10 days. The rash may come and go for up to three weeks, becoming more visible when a child is exposed to extreme temperatures or spends time in the sun.

In adults, the most prominent symptom of parvovirus infection is joint soreness (arthralgia), lasting days to weeks. Joints most commonly affected are the hands, wrists, knees and ankles.

Parvovirus infection can also occur without any signs or symptoms in either children or adults.

Prevention

There's no vaccine to prevent parvovirus infection. Washing your hands and your child's hands frequently may help diminish the chances of getting an infection. Throw away used tissues immediately after use — wash your hands after handling them.

Self-care

Self-care treatment is aimed primarily at relieving symptoms and easing any discomfort. Make sure you or your child gets plenty of rest and drinks lots of fluids. You can use acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) to relieve temperatures of more than 102 F or minor aches and pains. Avoid giving aspirin to children. Aspirin may trigger a rare but potentially fatal disorder known as Reye's syndrome.

It's impractical and unnecessary to isolate your sick child. You won't know your child has parvovirus infection until the rash appears, and by that time, your child is no longer contagious.

Answer 2

There is not a human vaccine for Parvovirus, as it usually causes a rather benign disease, consisting mainly of rash and mild flu-like symptoms. In some instances (in immunocompromised or AIDS patients) it can cause more serious problems, but this is not common for healthy individuals.

It should simply resolve on its own. Get some rest and take it easy.

Answer 3

This isn't a direct answer to your question but I want to point out that human parvovirus B19 is a different virus than canine parvovirus. The fact of your dog's vaccination won't affect you one way or another in that you can't get parvo from your dog.