Fifth Disease

  • Fifth Disease

     

    Fifth Disease is called “Fifth Disease” because it was identified after rubeola, rubella, scarlet fever, and roseola.  It is a common viral infection with a rash occurring 1 to 3 weeks after infection.

     

    Signs and Symptoms:

     

    Signs and symptoms include fever, muscle aches, headache and a red “slapped-cheek” rash that appears 1 to 3 weeks after other signs and symptoms.  A rash that looks like lace will then follow, appearing on the trunk, arms, buttocks, and thighs.

     

    How it is spread: 

     

    Fifth Disease is spread through direct contact with respiratory secretions from infected person before the rash appears. 

     

    Treatment of Fifth Disease:

     

    There is no special medical treatment for Fifth Disease though treating the symptoms, such as giving acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) as directed for headache or muscle aches might provide some relief of symptoms. 

     

    SCHOOL:

     

    Children may attend school as long as temperature is less than 100 degrees F and other symptoms are minimal and do not affect the child’s ability to participate and learn.