Probably one of the most common diseases among people in the United States, the Fifth Disease, or Erythema infectiosum, is very difficult to treat and is often fatal. However, there are treatments and even ways to prevent this disease.
Symptoms
Symptoms of the fifth disease may include joint pain, fever, malaise, or a mild rash. The rash may be mild in children but may be more severe in adults. The rash tends to appear in different parts of the body and usually takes a few weeks to go away.
Erythema infectiosum is caused by a virus. In people who have weakened immune systems, the virus can cause serious complications. In these people, a blood transfusion may be required.
The virus also spreads through respiratory secretions and can be transmitted from mother to fetus. If a pregnant woman is infected, the unborn baby may develop anemia. However, the chances of losing the fetus are small. It is also rare for a child to develop severe anemia. In fact, only about five percent of pregnant women who are infected will experience a miscarriage.
The fifth disease usually affects kids ages 5 to 15. The symptoms of fifth disease may be mild and can go away on their own. However, the rash may come back after being exposed to sunlight, irritants, or exercise. It is also possible for the rash to reappear in people who are stressed.
The fifth disease incubation period is between 7 and 14 days. This is the time when a child is most contagious. If a child develops a fever, it is recommended that he or she stay home from school.
A person who has been exposed to the fifth disease virus may also develop a rash. The rash may appear at first only on the face and arms, but may later spread to other parts of the body. The symptoms may be triggered by sunlight, emotional stress, and exercise.
Some people who have fifth disease may develop a rash that looks like a slapped cheek. The rash may be mild, but may also last for weeks. If the rash recurs after a few months, a doctor may perform a blood test to determine the presence of the virus. He or she may also give a person intravenous immunoglobulin, which contains antibodies against parvovirus B19.
A doctor will also do a physical examination to determine the presence of fifth disease. During this visit, the doctor will take a patient’s history. He or she will also inspect the rash. If the patient has a weakened immune system, the doctor may order a blood test to determine whether he or she has antibodies to the fifth disease virus.
Causes
erythema infectiosum, or fifth disease, is a common viral rash illness that affects children and adults. In most cases, the illness goes away without treatment, but in some people, it can cause complications.
The virus that causes fifth disease is called the human parvovirus B19. This virus is commonly passed from one person to another by contact. The virus is also transmitted through coughing or sneezing. It is most common in children between five and fifteen years old. It can also affect adults who have not been exposed to it.
Fifth disease symptoms include a rash on the cheeks, legs, and trunk. The rash is usually bright red and it may look a bit like a “lacy” rash. It usually goes away after a few weeks, but it can return if you are exposed to sunlight.
People who have weakened immune systems or blood disorders are at higher risk for complications. They should call their healthcare provider if they develop a facial rash. They also should call their doctor if they have any fever or joint pain.
People who have been in close contact with an infected child are at risk for a rash, although it usually does not occur. The most common way to avoid getting the disease is to wash your hands often. This will prevent the spread of many other illnesses. People should also cover their noses and mouth when coughing. This is especially important after touching contaminated items.
There is no vaccine for fifth disease. There are only certain situations when a blood test can be used. In those cases, the test will be used to determine if you have antibodies to the fifth disease virus. If you have a weakened immune system, your doctor may prescribe intravenous immunoglobulin.
The symptoms of fifth disease may appear as early as three days after exposure. During this time, you may feel fever, headache, fatigue, body aches, and a rash. You may also experience widespread edema, muscle pain, and swelling.
The rash is most prevalent on the face and exposed areas. It may be aggravated by heat, exercise, or emotional stress.
Treatments
During an outbreak, up to 10% to 60% of children who are at risk may develop a rash. A rash may appear on the arms, cheeks, trunk, legs, or feet. It may be itchy or painful and may be triggered by sunlight, stress, or exercise.
Fifth disease is a contagious viral infection. Typically, children develop a mild illness that usually goes away on its own. The infection is caused by a virus called parvovirus B19, which spreads through the respiratory secretions.
If you have a weakened immune system, you are at greater risk of developing fifth disease and other complications. Those with weakened immune systems should call their doctor if they develop a facial rash. You should also notify your doctor if you develop any of the other signs of fifth disease.
Fifth disease is also common in adults, and many people who suffer from it don’t have any symptoms. You can prevent fifth disease by washing your hands often. Especially after touching anything that may have been contaminated. The virus can be spread through the air and by breathing in tiny droplets.
In addition to spreading through the air, the virus is also transmitted through the nasal mucus and through the respiratory secretions in the nose and throat. The fifth disease can also be transmitted from one person to another hematogenous. You may need to have a blood test to find out if you are infected.
Fifth disease is usually not serious, but it can cause anemia. Anemia can be severe in people who have sickle cell disease or other blood disorders. In these cases, a blood transfusion may be necessary.
Pregnant women who have been exposed to the fifth disease virus may have complications. The virus can increase the risk of miscarriage or spontaneous abortion, although most pregnant women are able to deliver normal, healthy babies. If you are pregnant, you should discuss the risks with your doctor.
The treatment for fifth disease involves supportive management. This includes ensuring that you have plenty of fluids, and medicines to reduce fever and discomfort. Your doctor may also perform a blood test to check for antibodies to the virus.
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Harvard Health. (2015, November 17). Health A to Z. https://www.health.harvard.edu/health-a-to-z
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