A 21-year-old member asked:
why does fifth disease mainly effect children between 3 and 5?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Robert Kwok answered
Pediatrics 33 years experience
They're not immune: Parvovirus b19 infection is common in children. The outbreaks occur at schools and other places where children are together. During their infections, only some people get symptoms, while others seem normal, not ill. Regardless of whether they have symptoms, they become immune after infections, so they don't get the disease as older teens or adults. About 50% of adults have been infected.
6246 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Robert Jackson answered
Dermatology 43 years experience
Not sure: I believe it has to do with how there immune system works with the virus.
5236 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
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Similar questions
A 21-year-old member asked:
My child is immune-compromised, can there be complications with fifth disease?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Robert Kwok answered
Pediatrics 33 years experience
Maybe: Fifth disease, caused by parvovirus b19, is usually mild and self-resolving. Some people get infected, have no symptoms, and become immune against re-infection. Complications can occur in immunocompromised persons and persons with chronic anemia, as well as occasionally in pregnant women. Such higher-risk persons should contact their doctors if exposed to someone with fifth disease.
6246 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Mc Alisterville, PA
A 44-year-old female asked:
My child has has symptoms of fifth disease more than once, is this a sign of another under lining issue?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Joseph Eastern answered
Dermatology 44 years experience
Probably not.: Many viruses can cause symptoms very similar to fifth disease (fever, red cheeks, reticulated rash), so getting that constellation of symptoms more than once is not normally a significant issue. If it happens over and over, though, there might be something more significant going on, and you should see your doctor or a dermatologist for a thorough exam.
5454 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
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Last updated Sep 28, 2016
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