NBCSN Nationally Certified School Nurse Practice Exam 2025 – Comprehensive All-In-One Study Guide for Success!

Fifth Disease, caused by the parvovirus B19, is especially concerning for individuals undergoing chemotherapy because their immune systems are compromised. Chemotherapy can weaken the body’s ability to fight off infections, making those affected more susceptible to complications associated with viral illnesses, including Fifth Disease.

In healthy individuals, Fifth Disease often presents with mild symptoms, but for those undergoing chemotherapy, the risk of severe anemia and other complications is heightened due to their reduced ability to recover from infections. The other populations listed, while they may also face health challenges, do not generally experience the same level of vulnerability to Fifth Disease as those undergoing chemotherapy. For instance, individuals with diabetes typically manage their condition with medication and can have a stable immune response, while those with cystic fibrosis have specific complications related to lung function rather than a generalized immune deficiency. Individuals with asthma may have respiratory issues but are generally not at increased risk for Fifth Disease complications compared to chemotherapy patients.