Has anyone ever had fifths disease?!


Question: My sister is in the hospital and there is no one to watch her 2 little girls, so I volunteered. I have been doing it for 2 weeks now. One of her little girls went to a friends house and later we found out that her friend had fifths disease. I have to watch them again this week and I am afraid how it is going to affect our family. I have a 5 month old baby and a 3 year old boy. My husband cannot afford to miss any work at the moment. I was just wondering what were your symptoms and how bad or serious they were. How long did the rash, fever, and other symptoms last? Is it severe enough to miss work? Has anyone ever had little babies get it and how bad do they get it?
I know I am asking alot of questions. I am just a little worried. I already "googled" it and read up on it, but I wanted to hear real peoples experiences. Thanks!


Answers: My sister is in the hospital and there is no one to watch her 2 little girls, so I volunteered. I have been doing it for 2 weeks now. One of her little girls went to a friends house and later we found out that her friend had fifths disease. I have to watch them again this week and I am afraid how it is going to affect our family. I have a 5 month old baby and a 3 year old boy. My husband cannot afford to miss any work at the moment. I was just wondering what were your symptoms and how bad or serious they were. How long did the rash, fever, and other symptoms last? Is it severe enough to miss work? Has anyone ever had little babies get it and how bad do they get it?
I know I am asking alot of questions. I am just a little worried. I already "googled" it and read up on it, but I wanted to hear real peoples experiences. Thanks!

Fifth disease is a viral infection caused by parvovirus B19.
Fifth disease in children often follows a typical pattern. While rash is the most striking symptom of fifth disease, the child may have the following symptoms several days before the rash appears:

a) cold symptoms, including a cough and runny nose
b) malaise, or a vague feeling of illness
c) slight fever

A child with fifth disease generally has a bright-red rash on the cheeks that gives a "slapped cheek" appearance. This may be followed by a pink, lacy rash on the arms, legs, and trunk. The rash generally causes no discomfort but may be mildly itchy. An adult with fifth disease may have no symptoms at all or may have the typical rash. The person may also have joint pain and swelling.

Fifth disease is generally seen in children in day care, preschool, elementary school, and high school. Adults who are not immune to the parvovirus B19 can also develop fifth disease. It is spread from person to person by respiratory secretions. Coughing and sneezing spread the infection.

Fifth disease is a very contagious viral disease. There is no vaccine or other way to prevent it. General precautions include washing the hands thoroughly and avoiding the respiratory secretions of others.

Fifth disease usually resolves on its own without treatment. Fever or joint pain may be relieved with over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen (i.e., Tylenol). Aspirin should never be given to children without a healthcare professional's order (and certainly not for fifth disease), since it increases the risk of Reye's syndrome. Cool baths or compresses may help relieve itching from the rash.

Good Luck

Kids get this all the time-no worries, unlesss you are pregnant. This disease can cause miscarriage in pregnant women.

my grandson had the fifths disease when he was 3 years old. they are tired alot and have bone pain and do run a temp. it doesn't last too long. all you can do is give them Tylenol and let them get rest. after a few days they will not be infectious. just make sure to use disinfection's and wash all his dishes in hot water and try not to breath in their faces. just practice good personal hygiene. my x had my grandson while he was sick and he has bone cancer and a low immune system and he was fine. i wouldn't worry too much. it will be fine.





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