Fifth’s Disease in Children – A Common Rash Affecting Children
Fifth’s Disease in children is a common illness faced by most children. This illness results in a rash which forms on the cheeks of the child and is therefore also known as the ‘slapped cheek rash’. The rash also develops on the trunk as well as the limbs of the child. Prior to the rash forming the child may experience a malaise, cold or even a low grade fever. While the rash does itch occasionally the child does not remain ill for a very long time with the rash disappearing between 7 days to 10 days. This disease is spread by sneezing and coughing.
It is spread by children when they experience the flu like symptoms before the rash shows up. Those who suffer from a low immune system or some types of blood disorders can however spread the disease over a longer duration. The child who is infected with this disease is usually no longer contagious once the rash appears.
Fifth disease is caused by the virus known as the Parvovirus B19 while this rash is also known as Erythema Infectiosum. This virus only affects humans. While pet cats and dogs are immunized against the parvovirus, the animal parvovirus does not affect humans. So it is impossible for a child to get infected by the Parvovirus B19 from a pet dog or cat and vice versa.
The fifth’s disease in children has initial symptoms which are similar to those experienced during by children suffering from flu. These include a sore throat, a runny nose as well as a headache however they are so mild that you may not even notice them. The rash however is noticeable only after a few days. It first appears on the face and then spreads over the rest of the body area. Not all children with fifth disease however feel sick or get rashes.
This virus is found in respiratory secretions like sputum, saliva as well as nasal mucus of an infected individual before the rash appears during their flu like symptoms that is spread either by direct contact with the aforementioned secretions or by sharing drinking utensils or cups. In an average household 50 per cent of its susceptible members who are exposed to the infected person may contract the same disease whereas in the case of a school outbreak around 10 per cent to 60 per cent of students stand a chance of contracting this disease.
A child who is susceptible can take anywhere between 4 days to 14 days to become infected with the virus and can remain ill for a period of 20 days after the infection. The fifth’s disease in children can easily be cured by the help of fluids, enough rest as well as pain relievers at home.
The fifth’s disease in children is a mild rash illness appearing most commonly among infants. Know more about its various symptoms and child care.
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