What Is Fifth Disease? Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment and Prevention Everyday Health
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Pregnant women should avoid contact with children who have been diagnosed with fifth disease since the condition can in rare cases cause anemia in unborn babies and even miscarriage in a small percentage of women, according to the CDC. Related
What Is Fifth Disease Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment and Prevention
By Katherine LeeMedically Reviewed by Sanjai Sinha, MDReviewed: January 26, 2021Medically ReviewedFifth disease, also called erythema infectiosum, is an illness caused by a virus known as parvovirus B19. Though fifth disease is more common in children, adults can have it, too, sometimes without any noticeable symptoms.According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the name “fifth disease” comes from the fact that, in the past, it was fifth on a list of the most common rash illnesses experienced by children. The virus is highly contagious — easily spread through respiratory droplets, such as those that are released when an infected person coughs or sneezes. In most cases, fifth disease isn’t a serious illness and will go away without treatment. However, if you or your child has an underlying medical condition that may increase your risk of complications, such as a weakened immune system or sickle cell anemia, or if you are pregnant, contact your doctor right away.Signs and Symptoms of Fifth Disease
It’s possible for someone to have fifth disease and not experience any symptoms; according to MedlinePlus, approximately 20 percent of people who get the virus don’t have any symptoms. They can, however, still pass the infection to others. Symptoms usually appear about 4 to 14 days after exposure to parvovirus B19. Initially, the symptoms of fifth disease will resemble those of many other viral infections such as a cold or the flu. Some symptoms are typically found early on: FeverFatigueHeadacheRunny noseSore throatAfter a few days, a distinctive bright red rash may develop on the cheeks, often referred to as a “slapped cheek” rash — this is the classic telltale sign of fifth disease infection. (This rash is more common in children than in adults.) This may be followed a few days later by a rash that appears on the chest, back, arms, legs, and buttocks. This rash usually disappears within about 10 days but may come and go for a few weeks. When it starts to disappear, it may leave behind a lacelike pattern.Fifth disease can also cause pain and swelling in the joints, particularly in the hands, feet, and knees. This symptom is rare in children — only about 10 percent of kids will experience joint pain and inflammation, according to the Arthritis Foundation — but it is very common in adults, especially women. The joint problems typically last for a few weeks but can last for months or longer.More on Related Symptoms
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In most cases, fifth disease goes away on its own. But if you or your child has a weakened immune system or sickle cell anemia, or if you are pregnant, there's an increased risk of complications so it's important to get medical attention.The American Academy of Pediatrics advises calling your pediatrician if you notice the following: The symptoms are getting worse instead of improving.Your child has swelling or pain in the joints.Your child looks pale.Causes and Risk Factors of Fifth Disease
Parvovirus B19 causes fifth disease, and the illness occurs most often in the spring, according to MedlinePlus. Fifth disease is spread easily by coming into contact with saliva or mucus carrying the virus; if an infected person coughs or sneezes near you, you could be at risk for catching it. Parvovirus B19 can also spread through blood. If a pregnant woman is exposed to the virus, she can pass it on to her baby, which in rare cases can lead to serious problems.Someone who is infected with the virus is most contagious when they have cold- and flu-like symptoms. By the time a child develops a rash, they are no longer contagious and can usually go back to school, according to the CDC. Parvovirus B19 only infects humans, so you can't get it from or give it to your pets.Editor s Picks
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How Is Fifth Disease Diagnosed
Doctors typically diagnose fifth disease based on symptoms — the cold- and flu-like symptoms that are accompanied by the “slapped cheek” rash common in children — but they may also decide to order blood tests to confirm the diagnosis in some rare cases (such as for pregnant women or individuals with anemia).Prognosis of Fifth Disease
In most cases, fifth disease is a mild illness for children and adults who are otherwise healthy, and it goes away with some rest at home. Most people recover completely once the infection is over.Once they recover completely from fifth disease, most people develop an immunity that can protect them from future parvovirus B19 infections.Duration of Fifth Disease
In healthy children and adults, symptoms typically last for a couple of weeks and go away on their own with little or no treatment.The rash that may develop usually goes away within a week to 10 days, though it may come and go for a few weeks. Joint pain typically lasts one to three weeks, though it can go on for longer. About 10 percent of adults with joint symptoms will experience prolonged problems.Treatment and Medication Options for Fifth Disease
Treatment may involve medication to help relieve symptoms.Medication Options
In some cases, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers and other medications to relieve pain and discomfort from symptoms such as fever, itching, and joint pain and swelling. Suggested medications may include these options: AcetaminophenNonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofenAntihistamine to relieve itching An important note: Never give a child or teenager aspirin when they are ill with a virus, as it can increase the risk for Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious disorder that can cause brain and liver damage.Prevention of Fifth Disease
No vaccine can prevent fifth disease. The best way to reduce your risk of getting the virus is to practice good hygiene habits (and teach them to your child):Washing your hands thoroughly and often with soap and waterCovering your mouth and nose with your elbow when you cough or sneezeBeing careful to avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouthAvoiding close contact with people who are sickStaying home and not going to work or school when you or your child are sickPregnant women should avoid contact with children who have been diagnosed with fifth disease since the condition can in rare cases cause anemia in unborn babies and even miscarriage in a small percentage of women, according to the CDC. Related