Fiths disease exposer in l&d nurse

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Now I'm not really worried but someone in my daughters preschool class got this and therefore I might have been exposed. I called my OB and (the office thought they could get a hold of them but can't ) *I know I can after hours but I don't want to if I don't have to

My question is, yes i know a blood test will probably be in my future but should I go to work tomorrow??? Any suggestions

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

To L/D or nursery? I would not if you can avoid it.

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Specializes in Emergency.

Actually I was just reading about this disease a little while ago because a patients parent was talking about it with me last night.

Anyway most adults have already been exposed to this disease as a child and are immune. Also this disease comes in stages. These stages occur over a period of weeks. In fact the most contagious stage is prior to appearance of the rash. One source even said children can go to school with said rash as long as the are without fever.

Fifths disease is caused by Parvovirus 19 by the way.

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/revb/respiratory/B19&preg.htm

"There is no vaccine or medicine that prevents parvovirus B19 infection. Frequent hand washing is recommended as a practical and probably effective method to reduce the spread of parvovirus. Excluding persons with fifth disease from work, child care centers, schools, or other settings is not likely to prevent the spread of parvovirus B19, since ill persons are contagious before they develop the characteristic rash."

Rj

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For peace of mind have a Parvovirus B 19 IgG and IgM drawn.

Most of my patients already have been exposed and they are relieved with the test results.

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