15774 Fifth Disease

Overview

Fifth disease is a common, mild viral illness that causes a bright red rash on the cheeks, which can look like a slapped cheek. It is also called erythema infectiosum. It is caused by a virus called parvovirus B19 and usually affects children, but can affect people of any age.

Yes. Many children catch fifth disease at some point, often in small outbreaks at schools or nurseries.

It mainly affects children aged 5 to 15, but anyone can catch it. Pregnant women and people with blood disorders such as sickle cell disease should seek medical advice if they are exposed.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Mild fever
• Runny nose
• Headache
• Sore throat or feeling tired

Symptoms in children

• Bright red rash on both cheeks (slapped cheek look)
• Lacy, lace-like rash on arms, legs and body that may come and go
• The rash may be slightly itchy but is usually harmless

Symptoms in older adults

• Painful and swollen joints, especially in hands, wrists and knees
• Sometimes no rash at all
• Feeling tired and achy

Causes

Main causes

• Caused by parvovirus B19
• Spread by droplets from coughs and sneezes
• Passed by touching surfaces with the virus then touching your mouth, nose or eyes
• A pregnant woman can pass it to her baby

Risk factors

• Being a child attending school or childcare
• Working with children
• Having a blood disorder such as sickle cell anaemia or thalassaemia
• Being pregnant
• Having a weakened immune system

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You are pregnant and suspect you have been in contact with fifth disease
• You have sickle cell disease, thalassaemia or another blood disorder
• You have a weakened immune system

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you are unsure about the rash
• If symptoms last longer than expected
• For guidance on looking after a child at home

Diagnosis

Doctors usually recognise fifth disease by the characteristic slapped-cheek rash and your symptoms. No tests are needed in most children.

Tests that may be done

• Blood test to check for antibodies to parvovirus B19
• For pregnant women: blood test and ultrasound to check the baby
• Blood test to check for anaemia in people with blood disorders

What to expect at your appointment

Your doctor will ask about the rash, symptoms and any possible contact with the infection, and may look at your rash. If a test is needed, a simple blood test or ultrasound can provide more information.

Treatment

There is no specific medicine to cure fifth disease. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms until your immune system clears the infection.

Self-care at home

• Rest and drink plenty of fluids
• Use a cold compress or moisturiser for an itchy rash
• Take over-the-counter pain relief for fever or aches, following the label or advice from your pharmacist
• Practice good hand hygiene to avoid spreading the virus

Medical treatments

For most people, no medical treatment is needed. If complications occur, medical care may include blood transfusions for severe anaemia, or careful monitoring and treatment for an unborn baby in pregnancy. Your healthcare team will decide the right plan for your situation.

Living with this condition

Once the rash appears, you or your child are usually no longer contagious. Most people feel better in one to three weeks. The rash can come back briefly with heat, exercise, or stress.

Lifestyle tips

• Wash hands often, especially after coughing or sneezing
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze
• If you are pregnant or have a blood disorder, avoid close contact with anyone who has the infection

Diet and exercise

Eat a normal balanced diet and drink enough fluids. During the feverish stage, get extra rest. Gentle activity can be resumed once you feel better.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Seeing a rash or worrying about risks in pregnancy can be stressful. It may help to speak to your doctor or a trusted friend to get clear information and support.

Prevention

There is no vaccine for fifth disease. The best way to reduce the spread is good hand hygiene and avoiding close contact with anyone who has symptoms.

Complications

If left untreated

• In healthy children: very rare, illness resolves on its own
• In pregnant women: risk of anaemia in the unborn baby, which can be serious
• In people with blood disorders: temporary halt in red blood cell production, causing severe anaemia

Long-term outlook

For healthy children and adults, fifth disease usually passes without any long-term problems. With proper medical care, even high-risk people can have good outcomes. Once recovered, you typically have lifelong immunity.

Find support

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.