Human Parvovirus B19 Classifications

Human Parvovirus B19 is classified into 3 categories by doctors. The condition of the patient will depict which of the categories the diagnosis will be placed in. The first step in dealing with parvovirus is to get a diagnosis. The doctor will then be able to take appropriate treatment paths once diagnosed

• Immuno-competent individuals – people who have relatively healthy immune systems. Some of them may never show serious symptoms of the human parvovirus infection. While some, mostly children, will show the characteristic “slapped-cheek” symptom.
• Immuno-suppressed individuals – people whose immune systems have been rendered ineffective. These people may have been taking medications to address other illnesses. The result is that the immune system does not respond to the presence of the human parvovirus. People who have anemia are also immuno-suppressed. They can carry the contagious viruses for a long period of time.
• Immuno-compromised individuals – people whose immune systems have been damaged due to another illness, such as AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome).