AboutBrenda Expertise I have been an R.N. since 1988 and come from a family of nurses. I have clinical experience in labor and delivery, as well as post-partum care and pre-term pregnancy complications. I have also worked in Community Health Clinics dealing with this area of expertise, including WIC (Women, Infant, & Children) clinics performing nursing evaluations and assessments in determining a need for services or intervention for pregnant women, newborns, and young children. I have worked in immunization clinics in and around my community as well. I also have several years experience in OB and Pediatric Home Care Nursing. In addition to that, I am a mother of two, ages 21 and 16, both of which I had hoped would be vaginal deliveries, but ended up being C-Sections... one of which had me in pre-term labor...another which was frank breech (bottom first)... one who rejected the breast... and so on... to list my personal experience would be a bit lengthy! I'd simply like to help anyone who might have a question or concern that I can draw on my expertise to answer!
Experience I have been an R.N. since 1988 and come from a family of nurses. I have clinical experience in labor and delivery, as well as post-partum care and pre-term pregnancy complications. I have also worked in Community Health Clinics dealing with this area of expertise, including WIC (Women, Infant, & Children) clinics performing nursing evaluations and assessments in determining a need for services or intervention for pregnant women, newborns, and young children. I have worked in immunization clinics in and around my community as well. I also have several years experience in OB and Pediatric Home Care Nursing. My experience also includes approximately three years working in Behavioral Services.
Education/Credentials Graduated from the Mary Lanning School of Nursing in May 1988. Have been a licensed Registered Nurse in the state of NE since 1988.
Expert: Brenda Date: 7/1/2008 Subject: Fifth Disease
Question Hello - I'm almost 5 months pregnant and my 5-year old nephew has Fifth Disease. I'm very close to my sister's children and my contact with him before the symptoms appeared was close. My OBGYN ordered parvovirus B19 levels and IgG and IgM tests and I just got the results today. She said the tests show that I don't currently have the infection. However, it did show that I was exposed to it in the past. Does that mean I am now immune to it? She wasn't sure. I would like clarity on this as my nieces might be contagious and not yet have symptoms. I'm not sure if I should stay away from my sister's children all together. Your insight is much appreciated.
Answer Dear Celinda,
Because fifth disease is a mild illness, many adults may not be aware that they have had it in the past, especially since many people do not have symptoms. About 50% of adults have had the infection, have antibodies to the virus, and are immune. These antibodies prevent infection for you and your unborn baby. The blood tests can you had done to look for the antibodies can show if you have had a recent infection or are not immune. From what you have shared, it sounds as if it is quite possible that you have had a previous infection or exposure and have developed some immunity to human parvovirus B19.
However - to be on the safe side, I would not put yourself at undue risk by exposing you/your baby to your nieces or nephew for a bit longer. The incubation period (the time between infection and the development of the illness) is between 4 and 21 days. Individuals with fifth disease are most infectious before the onset of symptoms and are unlikely to be contagious after the development of the rash and other symptoms. I would suggest keeping your distance from the little ones for about 2-3 weeks.
I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.
