Question 1

doctor said that my baby might have fifth disease. so what is fifth disease?

Accepted Answer

Fifth disease: Fifth disease is caused by a virus, parvo virus b14, the rash starts from the face giving appearance of slapped face and then spreads to other parts.It may start with cold like symptoms before rash appears.The rash spares palms and hands, and soles of the feet.The rash completely clears without any treatment in 1 to 3 weeks.

Question 2

under what conditions is fifth disease not contagious?

Accepted Answer

when rash appears: Fifth disease in no longer contagious as soon as the rash is present & the diagnosis is made possible.

Question 3

what is the difference between fifth disease and lupus?

Accepted Answer

Totally unrelated: Fifth disease or erythema infectiosum is a viral infection caused by parvovirus b19.  Systemic lupus erythematosis is an autoimmune disease that is not an infection.

Question 4

what is the treatment for fifth disease?

Accepted Answer

None: Fifth disease in normal children does not require any treatment.

Question 5

what sort of disorder is fifth disease (slapped cheek syndrome)?

Accepted Answer

Slapped cheek: Erythema infectiosum is caused by parvovirus b19. Spread by respiratory droplets. Onset sudden bright erythema of cheeks (slapped cheeks).  Followed by lacy rash on trunk and arms and legs. Complications rare, but can cause aplastic crisis in patients w hemolytic anemia.  Few other symptoms in kids.  Adults get headaches, body aches, and joint aches.

Question 6

how common is fifths disease?

Accepted Answer

I would say so: The majority of kids will have this before school age and have blood evidence of prior infections by the time they are teens.I see a case every month in the office and others are labeled during a phone call to the office. Rarely(once every few years) I see kids pass it to their parents who must have missed it as a kid.

Question 7

pink cheeks. could this be fifths disease?

Accepted Answer

Possibly: Erythema infectiousum, named fifth disease because it was the fifth most common childhood rash may be the cause, but if this persists, see your pediatrician.

Question 8

how long can fifths disease symptoms last?

Accepted Answer

Rash = 1-3 weeks: The early symptoms of fifth disease caused by parvovirus b19 (fever, sore throat, upset stomach, headache, fatigue) go away in about 3-5 days, but the rash associated with it (first facial rash then on body) can wax and wane in some children for up to 3 weeks. Adults who get this usually don't have a rash, but can have quite painful joints (this can also last up to 3 weeks).

Question 9

my 5 month old has a mild case of fifths disease.  is there anything i can do for her? do i need to be worried?

Accepted Answer

Erythema infectiosum: Treatment is supportive as the infection is frequently self-limiting. Anti-pyrogens (i.e., fever reducers) are commonly used. The rash is painless and usually non-pruritic (not itchy). There is no specific therapy.

Question 10

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

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Doctor answers about:

What is fifths disease

A member asked:

Doctor said that my baby might have fifth disease. so what is fifth disease?

A member asked:

Under what conditions is fifth disease not contagious?

A member asked:

What is the difference between fifth disease and lupus?

A member asked:

What is the treatment for fifth disease?

A member asked:

What sort of disorder is fifth disease (slapped cheek syndrome)?

A member asked:

How common is fifths disease?

A member asked:

Pink cheeks. could this be fifths disease?

A member asked:

How long can fifths disease symptoms last?

A member asked:

My 5 month old has a mild case of fifths disease. is there anything i can do for her? do i need to be worried?

A member asked:

How common is fifth disease?

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