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What Is Fifth Disease Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment and Prevention
By Katherine LeeMedically Reviewed by Sanjai Sinha, MDReviewed: January 26, 2021Medically ReviewedFifth disease, also called erythema infectiosum, is an illness caused by a virus known as parvovirus B19. Though fifth disease is more common in children, adults can have it, too, sometimes without any noticeable symptoms.According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the name “fifth disease” comes from the fact that, in the past, it was fifth on a list of the most common rash illnesses experienced by children.
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The virus is highly contagious — easily spread through respiratory droplets, such as those that ar...
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Signs and Symptoms of Fifth Disease
It’s possible for someone to have fifth disease and no...
The virus is highly contagious — easily spread through respiratory droplets, such as those that are released when an infected person coughs or sneezes. In most cases, fifth disease isn’t a serious illness and will go away without treatment. However, if you or your child has an underlying medical condition that may increase your risk of complications, such as a weakened immune system or sickle cell anemia, or if you are pregnant, contact your doctor right away.
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Signs and Symptoms of Fifth Disease
It’s possible for someone to have fifth disease and not experience any symptoms; according to MedlinePlus, approximately 20 percent of people who get the virus don’t have any symptoms. They can, however, still pass the infection to others. Symptoms usually appear about 4 to 14 days after exposure to parvovirus B19.
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Initially, the symptoms of fifth disease will resemble those of many other viral infections such as ...
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Charlotte Lee Member
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Initially, the symptoms of fifth disease will resemble those of many other viral infections such as a cold or the flu. Some symptoms are typically found early on:
FeverFatigueHeadacheRunny noseSore throatAfter a few days, a distinctive bright red rash may develop on the cheeks, often referred to as a “slapped cheek” rash — this is the classic telltale sign of fifth disease infection.
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(This rash is more common in children than in adults.) This may be followed a few days later by a rash that appears on the chest, back, arms, legs, and buttocks. This rash usually disappears within about 10 days but may come and go for a few weeks. When it starts to disappear, it may leave behind a lacelike pattern.Fifth disease can also cause pain and swelling in the joints, particularly in the hands, feet, and knees.
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Sophie Martin 5 minutes ago
This symptom is rare in children — only about 10 percent of kids will experience joint pain and in...
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Sebastian Silva 2 minutes ago
But if you or your child has a weakened immune system or sickle cell anemia, or if you are pregnant,...
This symptom is rare in children — only about 10 percent of kids will experience joint pain and inflammation, according to the Arthritis Foundation — but it is very common in adults, especially women. The joint problems typically last for a few weeks but can last for months or longer.
More on Related Symptoms
When a Headache Won t Go Away
How to Tell if Your Child Has Allergies or a Cold
When Is a Sore Throat Considered Chronic
Why Do We Feel Cold When We Have a Fever
In most cases, fifth disease goes away on its own.
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Jack Thompson 19 minutes ago
But if you or your child has a weakened immune system or sickle cell anemia, or if you are pregnant,...
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Natalie Lopez 7 minutes ago
Parvovirus B19 can also spread through blood. If a pregnant woman is exposed to the virus, she can p...
But if you or your child has a weakened immune system or sickle cell anemia, or if you are pregnant, there's an increased risk of complications so it's important to get medical attention.The American Academy of Pediatrics advises calling your pediatrician if you notice the following:
The symptoms are getting worse instead of improving.Your child has swelling or pain in the joints.Your child looks pale.
Causes and Risk Factors of Fifth Disease
Parvovirus B19 causes fifth disease, and the illness occurs most often in the spring, according to MedlinePlus. Fifth disease is spread easily by coming into contact with saliva or mucus carrying the virus; if an infected person coughs or sneezes near you, you could be at risk for catching it.
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Alexander Wang 5 minutes ago
Parvovirus B19 can also spread through blood. If a pregnant woman is exposed to the virus, she can p...
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Jack Thompson Member
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Parvovirus B19 can also spread through blood. If a pregnant woman is exposed to the virus, she can pass it on to her baby, which in rare cases can lead to serious problems.Someone who is infected with the virus is most contagious when they have cold- and flu-like symptoms. By the time a child develops a rash, they are no longer contagious and can usually go back to school, according to the CDC.
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Joseph Kim 16 minutes ago
Parvovirus B19 only infects humans, so you can't get it from or give it to your pets.
Edito...
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Parvovirus B19 only infects humans, so you can't get it from or give it to your pets.
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How Is Fifth Disease Diagnosed
Doctors typically diagnose fifth disease based on symptoms — the cold- and flu-like symptoms that are accompanied by the “slapped cheek” rash common in children — but they may also decide to order blood tests to confirm the diagnosis in some rare cases (such as for pregnant women or individuals with anemia).
Prognosis of Fifth Disease
In most cases, fifth disease is a mild illness for children and adults who are otherwise healthy, and it goes away with some rest at home.
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Most people recover completely once the infection is over.Once they recover completely from fifth di...
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About 10 percent of adults with joint symptoms will experience prolonged problems.
Most people recover completely once the infection is over.Once they recover completely from fifth disease, most people develop an immunity that can protect them from future parvovirus B19 infections.
Duration of Fifth Disease
In healthy children and adults, symptoms typically last for a couple of weeks and go away on their own with little or no treatment.The rash that may develop usually goes away within a week to 10 days, though it may come and go for a few weeks. Joint pain typically lasts one to three weeks, though it can go on for longer.
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About 10 percent of adults with joint symptoms will experience prolonged problems.
Treatment and...
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Suggested medications may include these options:
AcetaminophenNonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, ...
About 10 percent of adults with joint symptoms will experience prolonged problems.
Treatment and Medication Options for Fifth Disease
Treatment may involve medication to help relieve symptoms.
Medication Options
In some cases, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers and other medications to relieve pain and discomfort from symptoms such as fever, itching, and joint pain and swelling.
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Suggested medications may include these options:
AcetaminophenNonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, ...
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Suggested medications may include these options:
AcetaminophenNonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofenAntihistamine to relieve itching
An important note: Never give a child or teenager aspirin when they are ill with a virus, as it can increase the risk for Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious disorder that can cause brain and liver damage.
Prevention of Fifth Disease
No vaccine can prevent fifth disease.
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The best way to reduce your risk of getting the virus is to practice good hygiene habits (and teach them to your child):Washing your hands thoroughly and often with soap and waterCovering your mouth and nose with your elbow when you cough or sneezeBeing careful to avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouthAvoiding close contact with people who are sickStaying home and not going to work or school when you or your child are sick Pregnant women should avoid contact with children who have been diagnosed with fifth disease since the condition can in rare cases cause anemia in unborn babies and even miscarriage in a small percentage of women, according to the CDC. Related
Why Proper Hand-Washing Is Essential During Cold and Flu Season
Whether you use soap and water or hand sanitizer, keeping your hands germ-free can help protect you against influenza.
Complications of Fifth Disease
While fifth disease is usually a mild illness for most people, certain individuals can be at increased risk for complications.
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If you have a weakened immune system, have a blood problem such as anemia, or are pregnant, you may ...
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Fetal Anemia and Miscarriage In most cases, fifth disease is not a problem for pregnant women. Accor...
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If you have a weakened immune system, have a blood problem such as anemia, or are pregnant, you may be at risk for serious complications from a parvovirus B19 infection. Possible complications from fifth disease include these issues:Anemia Because fifth disease can interfere with making new red blood cells in the body, adults and children who have a compromised immune system or a blood disorder such as sickle cell disease face an increased risk of severe anemia and other complications.
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Fetal Anemia and Miscarriage In most cases, fifth disease is not a problem for pregnant women. Accor...
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Fetal Anemia and Miscarriage In most cases, fifth disease is not a problem for pregnant women. According to the CDC, approximately half of all pregnant women are immune to the virus, which means they and their fetuses are usually protected from getting the infection. Pregnant women who do contract the virus usually experience only a mild illness and don’t experience any problems.
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However, in less than 5 percent of pregnant women who get fifth disease, the fetus may develop sever...
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However, in less than 5 percent of pregnant women who get fifth disease, the fetus may develop severe anemia and the infection may lead to a miscarriage. This is why pregnant women who may have come into contact with parvovirus B19 are advised to contact their obstetrician as soon as possible.Arthritis While joint pain and swelling are not common in children with fifth disease, nearly 80 percent of adults experience problems in their joints one to three weeks after infection with parvovirus B19, according to the Arthritis Foundation. While these symptoms usually go away after a week or two, approximately 10 percent of adults with fifth disease–related joint problems will continue to experience chronic joint pain and difficulties that can last for years.
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Research and Statistics Who Has Fifth Disease
Anyone can get fifth disease, but the illness is most common among school-age children — ages 5 to 15.
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Because the infection is highly transmissible, it gets easily passed from one person to another at p...
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HealthyChildren.org
This helpful site run by the American Academy of Pediatrics details key info tha...
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Because the infection is highly transmissible, it gets easily passed from one person to another at places where children gather, such as school. Your body’s immune system builds up a defense against parvovirus B19 once you’ve been exposed to the virus, so you should be immune to it if you had fifth disease as a child. (This is why adults typically do not get the disease.)
Related Conditions of Fifth Disease
Numerous other viral skin rash illnesses may be confused with fifth disease:MeaslesRubellaRoseolaScarlet fever
In adults, common fifth disease symptoms of joint pain and swelling can resemble those of other conditions as well:InfluenzaMononucleosisRheumatoid arthritis
Resources We Love
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
From tips on how to prevent transmission to the lowdown on the virus that causes fifth disease, the CDC's leading infectious disease experts lay out essential information you need to know about this common illness among school-age kids.
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HealthyChildren.org
This helpful site run by the American Academy of Pediatrics details key info tha...
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HealthyChildren.org
This helpful site run by the American Academy of Pediatrics details key info that parents will want to know, such as when your child will be able to go back to school, when the virus may cause serious problems, and when to call your child’s doctor. Additional reporting by Cathy Cassata.
Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking
ReferencesFifth Disease.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. November 26, 2019.Pregnancy and Fifth Disease. Centers f...
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November 26, 2019.About Parvovirus B19. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention....
KidsHealth. February 2017.Parvovirus B19 and Other Illnesses. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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November 26, 2019.Show Less
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