Other illnesses caused by viruses, such as rubella or measles, can have similar symptoms. Sometimes a blood test is needed. For generally healthy people, home treatment is usually the only care needed for fifth disease.
Antibiotics are not used to treat fifth disease because it is caused by a virus. Antibiotics only work against infections caused by bacteria. The following home treatment tips may help you to be more comfortable while you rest and recover:. Skip to main content. Last Updated:. September Download PDF:. What is fifth disease? What are the symptoms of fifth disease? The most common signs of fifth disease that differ from other illnesses are: About 2 to 3 weeks after being exposed to the virus, a red rash may appear on the face.
This rash looks like the cheeks have been slapped, while the area around the mouth looks pale. These signs are usually seen only in children. A red, spotty, lace-like rash may appear on the arms and may spread to the chest, back and thighs.
The rash may fade away and then come back or get worse when the person is exposed to heat, such as in a warm bath or direct sunlight. The rash may last for several weeks. For some people, the rash may not appear at all, or it may look different in adults.
Some people may only have pain in their joints, usually in the hands, feet, or knees, and no other symptoms. This is more common in adults, especially women. The joint pain usually lasts 1 to 3 weeks, but it can last longer. Home Diseases and Conditions Fifth Disease. Table of Contents. What is fifth disease? Symptoms of fifth disease.
The first signs of fifth disease are mild flu- or cold-like symptoms, including: Low-grade fever. Sore throat. Stuffy or runny nose. What causes fifth disease? How is fifth disease diagnosed? Can fifth disease be prevented or avoided? These include: Washing hands often with soap and water.
Covering the mouth and nose with their elbow when coughing or sneezing. Not touching the eyes, nose, or mouth. Avoiding close contact with anyone who is sick. Keeping them home when they are sick. Fifth disease treatment. Living with fifth disease. But fifth disease can cause problems in certain cases: Pregnant women who have been exposed to fifth disease should call their doctor.
When this happens, miscarriage or stillbirth can occur. The mother can take medicines to treat the virus. In some cases, the unborn baby might need a blood transfusion.
He or she can tell you if you need to take any special steps to avoid the virus. Weak immune system. People who have immune system problems may need special treatment to help fight the fifth disease. This includes people who have had organ transplants, or who have cancer or HIV. Chronic anemia. People with sickle-cell disease or other types of chronic anemia could have problems if they get fifth disease.
They could develop severe anemia that requires blood transfusions. It is caused by a virus called parvovirus B19, which is also known as Erythema infectiosum. The illness usually is not serious. Symptoms of fifth disease may include a mild rash, fever , runny nose, muscle aches, and a headache. Outbreaks in school-aged children are common in late winter and early spring. Fifth disease starts off like many other viral infections, so it can be hard to know for sure if your child has it.
Your doctor will look at the rash and may do blood tests to check for antibodies to the virus. The rash is the best clue. Sometimes another rash that looks lacy appears a few days later. The second rash often starts on the trunk and spreads to the arms, legs, and even the soles of the feet. It may be itchy but usually goes away after about a week.
Even after a child is better, the rash can reappear weeks or months later when your child is hot during exercise, bathing, etc. Fifth disease spreads from person to person through respiratory droplets. A child is most contagious before the rash appears and is not contagious after the rash appears.
Once a person has fifth disease, they usually cannot get it again. Good hand hygiene is the best way to prevent the spread of fifth disease in school, child care , and at home. Remind children to throw away used tissues and make sure that surfaces and objects that children touch are cleaned and sanitized regularly.
When you see a rash, your child is no longer contagious. Fifth disease is often mild and goes away with some rest and recovery at home. Your doctor may suggest acetaminophen for fever, aches, or pain. The virus can affect the way the body makes red blood cells, the cells that carry oxygen through the body. This puts children who have a blood disorder or weak immune system at serious risk if they catch the virus.
The virus can also cause red blood cell counts to drop so low that a blood transfusion is needed. Children with cancer such as leukemia , HIV infection, and certain types of anemia low red blood cell counts such as from sickle cell disease , often must go to the hospital if they catch fifth disease.
If your child has any of these conditions, check with your doctor at the first sign of the rash. Most times, fifth disease does not cause problems for pregnant women and their babies.
Rarely, serious problems can occur if the virus gets passed on and makes it hard for the fetus to make red blood cells. This can lead to severe anemia that causes hydrops fetalis , a buildup of fluid that can lead to heart failure or death.
Pregnant women with fifth disease may need to have the following tests :.
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