Fifth disease is a viral infection that is highly contagious. It is also known as erythema infectiosum. It is a mild viral disease that most commonly affects children. Fifth disease causes a red rash on the cheeks, arms, and legs and is also called slapped cheek disease. It is usually a mild disease but in some cases like that of pregnant women and in people with a weak immune system, it can be a more severe illness.
Symptoms
The symptoms at the beginning of the fifth disease are general and resemble the symptoms of the flu. They usually begin between 4 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. The most common signs and symptoms are:
- Low-grade fever
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Sore throat
- Cold
After a few days of having the above symptoms, there is usually a rash on the cheeks and then the rash may appear on the legs and arms too. The rashes appear in children, but in adults, there may be no rash at all. Adults usually experience joint pain in wrists, ankles, and knees.
Causes
It is generally caused by exposure to a virus known as human Parvovirus B19. it is an airborne virus and spreads from person to person through hand to hand contact and respiratory secretions and saliva.
Treatment
No specific treatment is usually required for most people with a healthy immune system. The body is able to fight the virus and to relieve the symptoms of headache, fever and joint pain, basic over the counter medicines may be prescribed. Drinking lots of fluids and resting the body often helps in a faster recovery.
It is a contagious illness that is largely spread through secretions of the respiratory system such as saliva and sputum. Fortunately, this disease does not leave any long term effects on most people. But in cases where the immune system is weak or has been weakened due to chemotherapy or HIV, it is very important to be under a doctor’s care and supervision.
Disclaimer: The information in no way constitutes, or should be construed as medical advice. Nor is the above article an endorsement of any research findings discussed in the article an endorsement for any of the source publications.
