In order to set your mind at ease, please answer the questions below that will enable you to discuss with your healthcare provider about the risk that you may be exposed to in relation to Fifth Disease. This should not take more than 5-10 minutes to complete. Once you have completed these questions, print them out and take them with you on your next visit to your healthcare provider.

 
 
1. Are you planning to have a baby in the near future? Yes No
 
 
2. Is this your first pregnancy? Yes No
 
 
3. Have you been tested for Fifth disease (otherwise known as Parvovirus B19) before? A Blood test is carried out to check if you have protection (or antibodies) to the virus

If No - Please continue with the remaining questions below. In order to be more informed in your pregnancy, a simple blood test is available to your healthcare provider in order to determine if you or your baby have been exposed to Fifth disease. This test is designed to look for antibodies to parvovirus B19. Antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system in response to infectious agents such as Parvovirus B19. Ask your healthcare provider to get a blood test carried out.

If Don't Know - Please continue with the remaining questions below. Ask your healthcare provider to review your previous blood test results to see if you had a test done before. If you haven't been tested before, a simple test is available to determine if you and your baby are protected from exposure to fifth disease.
Yes
No/I Don't Know
 
 
3b. You've been tested for antibodies to Parvovirus B19 before - you are:

If Immune - You have had the virus before (IgG antibody positive). This means that you and your pregnancy should be immune to infection from Parvovirus B19. It is very important however, to verify this information with your healthcare provider once more.
If not immune - Please continue with the remaining questions below. In order to be more informed in your pregnancy, a simple blood test is available to your healthcare provider in order to determine if you or your baby has been exposed to Fifth disease. This test is designed to look for antibodies to parvovirus B19. Antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system in response to parvovirus B19 and other infectious agents. Ask your healthcare provider to get a blood test carried out.
If Don't Know - Please continue with the remaining questions below. Ask your healthcare provider to review over your previous blood test results to see if you had a test done before. If you haven't been tested before, a simple test is available to determine if you and your baby are protected from exposure to fifth disease.
Immune
Not Immune
I don't know
 
 
4. Has your healthcare provider ever spoken to you about Fifth disease before? Yes No
 
 
5. Before visiting this website, were you aware of the risk to your pregnancy associated with Fifth Disease Yes No
 
 
6. Do you work in an environment with exposure to young children i.e. daycare, school or hospital? Yes No
 
If "yes" - You and maybe your unborn baby could be at risk of getting Fifth disease, as it can be contagious especially if you have not been exposed to it before. Ask your healthcare provider
 
 
7. If you have young children, do you know if they have already had Fifth disease? Yes No
 
 
8. Do you have any children currently in daycare or school? Yes No
 
 
9. Have you heard of any rash-related outbreaks at your children's school lately (Measles, Scarlet Fever, German measles, Roseola)? Yes No
 
If "yes" - Look out for any rash that may appear on their face or body. They may bring the virus home to you and your unborn baby.
 
 

Use this space to note any queries for your healthcare provider:
 
 

Your email:  

Please send me additional information:  


The above form is intended as a guideline to allow you to discuss the risk of Fifth disease with your healthcare provider. Please take this with you on your next visit to your doctor or nurse-midwife.

The fifthdisease.org team is not able to offer specific medical advice. Please contact your physician should you have any concerns about your health or your pregnancy

 

Fifth Disease - Pregnancy - Diagnosis & Treatment - Ask the Expert - Am I at Risk

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