How common is slapped cheek syndrome?
Slapped cheek syndrome is thought to be very common. Most people do not realise that they have been infected by the parvovirus B19 virus because it often causes very mild symptoms that are similar to a cold, or no symptoms at all. It is estimated that 50-80 per cent of all adults have been infected by parvovirus 19. Once you are infected, your body will develop life-long immunity against further infection. Slapped cheek syndrome usually affects children who are between 3-15 years of age. Most cases develop during the late winter months or early spring. Males and females are equally affected by the condition. Cases of slapped cheek syndrome usually follow a cyclical pattern with an upsurge in cases occurring every 4-7 years.
