Parvovirus, mpox, and COVID-19: 3 reasons to heighten precautions

Summer news reports show that COVID-19 is surging again. The World Health Organization has declared the mpox outbreak a global health emergency. And human parvovirus B19, which can cause fifth disease, is spreading across the U.S.

Scientists are finding that, in some cases, infections from viruses like SARS-CoV-2 (which causes COVID-19), parvovirus B19, and Epstein-Barr may play a role in the development of systemic lupus erythematosus and other autoimmune diseases.

I believe a parvovirus B19 infection was the initial biological culprit for my lupus. Although my doctors didn’t know of the virus’ connection to autoimmunity, time and my medical history have shown it was likely the cause.

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At that time, my family and I had never heard of fifth disease (also called erythema infectiosum), which got its name because it was the fifth viral skin rash known to affect children. My son was attending a small day care, and school had just begun. I dropped him off and, feeling much like a mother hen, hugged a few of the other bambinos and went to work.

By lunchtime, I was sick with what we thought was the flu. Fifth disease is highly contagious and causes a distinctive face rash that resembles a slapped cheek. It can be identified by high levels of IgM and IgG antibodies in the blood.

In retrospect, perhaps that should have been a harbinger of the chronic disease to come. After all, the “slapped cheek” rash looks similar to a malar rash, and lupus patients have high levels of the same antibodies.

But even after my doctors made the connection between my parvovirus B19 infection and the symptoms of lupus, they didn’t know how to diagnose or treat me. A myriad of symptoms continued for years, and so did my visits to new specialists. Then, when I was nearly paralyzed and no longer employed, a nurse practitioner at a community-based health clinic correctly diagnosed me, confirming my suspicions — and those of a gastroenterologist.

On Sept. 6, 2015, eight years after the parvovirus infection, my nurse practitioner said, “You are right. You have lupus.”

I can’t explain what that truth released or how much of a burden was lifted by naming the pain. I can say that it’s fretful to hear that parvovirus B19 infections are increasing among adults.

My life is an example of the debilitating consequences this virus can have on an adult. So I implore you to adjust your health precautions and consider ways to isolate and stay as far away from infections as humanly possible. Remember, those of us with lupus are at a greater risk of getting sick from viral infections, like the one that causes COVID-19.

Because we’re living with battered, bruised, and badly behaving immune systems, we may need to take more precautions than others — especially in choosing when and where to wear masks. Please recommit to avoiding exposure that could severely complicate your life or the life of someone near you who lives with chronic illness.

To whatever extent possible, practice lifesaving habits, such as staying away from large, indoor gatherings where the COVID-19 virus may spread, restricting intimacy that could spread mpox, and reducing visits to schools and day care centers where the parvovirus prevails.

At a minimum, double your hand-washing time. Sanitize your personal spaces at home, in the office, in classrooms, in your car, and elsewhere, and prioritize practices that boost the immune system.

By any and all means necessary, love and celebrate the life you live.

Note: Lupus News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Lupus News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to lupus.