In the majority of cases, slapped cheek syndrome does not lead to complications. However, sometimes complications can arise due to an already existing condition, such as those outlined below.
Pregnancy
If you develop a parvovirus B19 infection during pregnancy, and you do not have immunity, there is a one in three chance that you will pass the infection onto your unborn baby.
There is then a risk that your baby will develop severe anaemia. This in turn can cause heart failure and an abnormal collection of fluid inside the tissue of your baby (hydrops fetalis).
Due to this risk, it is likely that you will be given regular ultrasound scans so that the health of your baby can be carefully assessed. If your baby does show signs of severe anaemia, they may be treated with a blood transfusion.
A parvovirus B19 infection during pregnancy carries a risk of miscarriage or still birth that is estimated to be between 3-10 per cent.
Parvovirus B19 infection does not cause birth defects.
Blood abnormalities
If you have sickle-cell anaemia, or other abnormalities of the haemoglobin (red blood cells), parvovirus B19 can cause acute, severe anaemia. This is known as an aplastic crisis.
Symptoms of an aplastic crisis include:
- very pale skin,
- fatigue,
- headache,
- high temperature (fever) of or 38C (100F) or above,
- rapid heartbeat (tachycardia),
- dizziness, and
- fainting.
If you experience an aplastic crisis, it is likely that you will need to be admitted to hospital and given a blood transfusion. After having a blood transfusion, most people will make a full recovery.
Weakened immune system
If a person with a weakened immune system (immunocompromised) develops a parvovirus B19 infection, the virus can quickly spread through their bone marrow and interfere with the production of red blood cells. This can cause symptoms of severe anaemia, a high temperature, and a sense of feeling very unwell.
Treatment will usually require being admitted to hospital where a blood transfusion can be used to treat anaemia. Antibodies that have been donated by someone who is immune to parvovirus B19 can be used to treat the underlying infection.
