Fifth Disease: A Common Childhood Malady Explained

Once the weather changes, getting your child's educational progress report is almost as important as the daily medical report. Pink eye, flu-like viruses, head colds, croup, strep, and the list goes on and on. However, the latest virus to spread through our daughter's school was one we had not heard of previously and yet it explained a lot of the symptoms. Fifth Disease, also known as "Slapped Cheek Disease", is a common childhood disease that is characterized by a rash that often starts on the cheeks.

History

Fifth Disease is known by the number because a French physician in 1905 listed all the common childhood diseases with rashes by numbers. First disease was measles; second disease was scarlet fever, third disease was rubella, fourth disease, a rash-producing infection, is still known by its number as well and fifth disease was erythema infectiosum.

Explanation of the Virus

Fifth Disease is actually a viral infection that is passed on through coughing and sneezing. The incubation can be up to a month before symptoms show and in children those symptoms tend to look cold or flu-like in nature. Headaches, runny nose, and sore throat are the main complaints. However, in adults there can be mild to severe joint pain. The rash usually does not show up until after the contagious period has ended. It usually lasts from 2-5 days and starts on the cheeks making the victim look like he has "slapped cheeks." The rash may spread to the chest, arms, back of the legs in a lace-like pattern. The rash may or may not show up and the severity of it varies from person to person.

Most people who have been tested for the antibodies have no memory of getting Fifths. Doctors theorize that it must be quite mild in most children. However, if you have not had Fifth Disease as a child, one must be care as an adult. If an adult gets it, the symptoms are generally more severe and the joint pain can be debilitating. Whereas in children the disease runs its course in a month, in adults it can take years if the symptoms are particularly bad.

Treatment

Treatment for Fifths is rest and plenty of fluids. Antibiotics are not prescribed as it is a virus. Once your child breaks out into a rash, he is no longer contagious and can return to normal activities. Stress, heat, and exposure to sun can irritate the rash further but it is not an indication of progression in the virus.

Who it Affects

It is classified as a childhood malady and it primarily affects ages 5-15. It can affect adults who did not contract the virus at a younger age but with a healthy immune system they are less likely to get it.

If you are pregnant you should see your doctor immediately as the virus can be harmful to the baby.

Sources:

www.kidshealth.org

www.webmd.com