Community› The Bump Month Clubs› July 2016 Moms
July 2016 Moms
New Discussion

Fifths Disease and CMV

CTmominGermanyCTmominGermany member
in July 2016 Moms
I was reading in the teacher's post that there was some concern about contracting Fifth's Disease. I don't know if its possible, but it's worth a try to talk to your doctor about testing for immunity to CMV and Fifth's. Here in Germany, if you are in a "high risk" profession, like an early years teacher, daycare provider, or work in a hospital, or if you have a child under 5, you are immediately tested for immunity to Fifth's and CMV. If you know you are immune, you have huge peace of mind. If you're not immune, then you need to learn about the precautions to take. I have so many American friends who have never heard of CMV. Not to worry anyone, but it's worth discussing with your doctor.
Report Reply to Post

Re: Fifths Disease and CMV

  • jolydanjolydan member
    I had my first round of blood tests yesterday (in the US) and they checked the immunity for parvovirus and German measles and other infectious disease. They asked me if I was in contact with kids and when I told them I substitute they checked it. So maybe all the teachers should make sure their OB knows :)
    BabyFruit Ticker
    Married: 07/04/2015
    BFP: 11/14/2015
    EDD: 07/25/2016
    Report Reply
  • Loading the player...
  • MotherOfDucksMotherOfDucks member
    CMV is pretty common. And harmless in healthy adults. So it doesn't tend to hit our radar as Americans. But we do test for it occasionally. Especially if you've ever donated blood. Premature infants get blood from a single O- donor who is clean and CMV negative.
    Report Reply
  • lcking82lcking82 member
    Agree with PP---

    CMV is very common by the time you've reached reproductive age; most of us will have had it, and will be immune.  Fifth's disease (Parvovirus) is also pretty common, but less so than CMV.

    Rubella (German measles) is part of the MMR vaccine that most people in our age group will have received (plus a booster).  I know my doctor checked for Rubella immunity, but I plan on asking today (first appointment this afternoon!) what else they looked at.
    Report Reply
  • CTmominGermanyCTmominGermany member
    I'm 36, have worked with kids since I was 18, and not immune, and lived in the US until I was 25. It's still worth talking with your doctor.
    Report Reply
  • lcking82lcking82 member
    Should add --- especially if you're working with kids, I agree with @CTmominGermany, definitely worth asking your doctor about (actually, if you're concerned about it at all).  And...if you're in close contact with a kid with any kind of rash, probably worth a call to the MD just to be sure you don't need to do anything!

    My comment was really just made to be more reassuring than anything, not to discourage anyone who is concerned about it! 
    Report Reply
Sign In or Register to comment.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards
"
"