Fifth disease is a mild viral rash in children caused by parvovirus B19. Some kids never show symptoms but remain contagious.

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Fifth disease, or Erythema infectiosum, is also called "slapped cheek syndrome" due to the appearance of red cheeks in infected children. The disease is a manifestation of the airborne virus, parvovirus B19. It is classified as the 5th rash-causing childhood disease among measles, scarlet fever, rubella, Dukes' disease, and roseola.

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The virus is fairly common and tends to spread throughout elementary aged children in the winter and spring. A child with fifth disease will often break out in a red rash on the arms, legs, and cheeks.

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Adults who did not have fifth disease as children, and therefore do not have antibodies, may become infected and experience joint pain in the wrists, ankles, and knees. When adults are infected, the symptoms tend to be more severe. It is dangerous for a pregnant woman and poses many risks to the unborn baby.

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There is no cure for fifth disease, and in most cases, no treatment is needed. The rash resolves by itself, and additional symptoms such as a headache or low-grade fever may be treated with over-the-counter drugs such as acetaminophen (Tylenol).

Conditions

"Condition" is a general term for particular abnormal diseases that negatively affect a part or all of the body. Conditions are not due to any external injury. Therefore, a broken bone does not classify as a condition, whereas Herpes, OCD, Shingles, and Ulcers do.

Medical conditions are classified by specific symptoms and signs. While each person's experiences can vary, there are consistent signs and symptoms that doctors will look for when diagnosing their patients. We always recommend that people seek a professional diagnosis. Afterward, supplement medical advice and opinion with accurate and easy to read information.

Most people only spend an average of a couple minutes with their doctor during a checkup. Oftentimes patients don't receive the fullest explanation of their diagnosis. Easily search through the vast amount of articles that Facty Health offers for ones that address your specific needs. From there, allow us to help you with those unanswered questions.

Symptoms of Fifth Disease in Children and Adults

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