Question 1

how common is fifth disease?

Accepted Answer

I see clusters yrly: As an illness, fifth disease usually makes its rounds amoung the infant and toddler set . I see it in clusters, affecting one or another day care center or church nursery in waves, followed by months when no cases come in.A few years back we had a wave that affected toddlers, teens and a few adults, which was a bit unusual

Question 2

what are the signs of fifth disease?

Accepted Answer

Parvo: Parvovirus b19 or fifth disease can show up as blotchy red cheeks or else as red hands and feet.  There is usually some mild fever, sore throat or malaise.  Adults often have some joint pains.

Question 3

what are the tests for fifth disease?

Accepted Answer

Fifth Disease: This is a viral illness caused by parvovirus b19. It causes a flulike illness which resolves in 7-10 days. It is also known as "slapped cheek" disease due to bright appearance of cheeks in young children. It is usually just a clinical diagnosis and no medications are needed for treatment. Complications are rare, but you should immediately see your doctor if illness is not improving.

Question 4

can fifth disease just be on the lface?

Accepted Answer

Slapped-cheek rash: Fifth disease is caused by parvovirus b19. The illness begins with a prodrome of fever, runny nose, headache, nausea, and diarrhea. 2-5 days later, the classic red rash on the face ("slapped cheek rash") appears. This rash on the face is usually followed by a lacelike rash on the trunk and extremities.

Question 5

how does fifth disease et transmitted ?

Accepted Answer

Coughs and sneezing: Fifth disease is a viral infection and is mainly spread by droplets from the nose and mouth. These can be passed to others especially through  sneezing and coughing. 
The best prevention is good handwashing and teach children to cover their coughs with their upper arm. It is most contagious before the patient has any symptoms at all and is not really contagious after the face rash shows up.

Question 6

as an adult, can i catch fifth disease?

Accepted Answer

Certainly yes: Erythema infectiosum, commonly known as fifth disease, is most often a trivial childhood illness.  However, if an adult who never had it before catches this viral illness, it can be way more serious. Prolonged arthritis is one of well known complications. Infected pregnant woman passes the virus to her baby resulting in hydrops fetalis/congenital anemia.

Question 7

is it possible to get fifth disease twice?

Accepted Answer

Unlikely: The immunity gained by the initial infection is considered lifelong. It would be more likely that a similar viral skin rash was mistaken as fifth's

Question 8

how many times can a child get fifth disease?

Accepted Answer

Fifth disease: Fifth disease, also called erythema infectiosum, is caused by parvovirus b19. Infection with it confers lifelong immunity. That means that once you get infected, you will not get reinfected if re-exposed. Avoid exposure to any pregnant non-immune woman who may develop the disease and cause complications to her unborn child.

Question 9

can my child catch fifth disease from our pet?

Accepted Answer

No: Although it is true that there is a parvovirus which infects animals, it is different from the parvovirus b19 that causes fifth's disease. These two viruses are different and are not transferred between animals and humans.

Question 10

can you have fifth disease for the second time?

Accepted Answer

No: The one virus that causes this pattern illness confers permanent immunity.Occasionally, someone will be labeled as 5th disease when it is really something else. We rarely ever get blood work that would confirm the diagnosis.Since some other viral exanthem may share some similar features, miss-labeling does occur.

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Doctor answers about:

Fifth disease

A member asked:

How common is fifth disease?

A member asked:

What are the signs of fifth disease?

A member asked:

What are the tests for fifth disease?

A member asked:

Can fifth disease just be on the lface?

A member asked:

How does fifth disease et transmitted ?

A member asked:

As an adult, can i catch fifth disease?

A member asked:

Is it possible to get fifth disease twice?

A member asked:

How many times can a child get fifth disease?

A member asked:

Can my child catch fifth disease from our pet?

A member asked:

Can you have fifth disease for the second time?

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