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PSA: Parvovirus or 'fifth disease' - ever heard of it? Well, we hadn't, and neither has anyone else I've asked, but it is so named because it's the 'fifth' of the major childhood rashes. It is actually caused by parvovirus (but not the one that dogs get), and is often prevalent in day cares and schools. One of DS' friends had it a couple of weeks ago, and little by little, almost everyone in his class (and quite a few parents) have had it, too.
There are a few interesting things to know about fifth:
- You often don't even know you have the virus at the time you are contagious. Symptoms may mimic a cold, there may be a fever that comes and goes quickly, or maybe nothing at all.
- By the time a rash shows up, the worst is probably over and the person is no longer contagious. The rash often appears on the cheeks, so another nickname for this is 'slapped cheek' or 'slapped face.' It can also appear on the upper body. It is a 'lacy' red rash, not bumpy or scabby. It may or may not by itchy.
- In adults, it can cause painful joints, especially the hands, wrists and knees. Severe symptoms present in women more often than men.
- Pregnant women need to be careful to avoid exposure. During the first trimester, infection can cause fetal anemia, and in rare cases can lead to miscarriage. It is recommended that a woman who is or may be pregnant tell her doctor if she thinks she has been exposed to fifth. Likewise, if you have it, it is recommended that you tell women you know (that are of child-bearing age) that you may have exposed them.
- It is dangerous to people with sickle cell anemia or other types of chronic anemia.
- A blood test can tell if you have been exposed to it in the past and are immune, if you currently have it, or if you have not had it. Since it is a virus, antibiotics do not work. A vaccine is currently being tested.
Yesterday when I picked DS up from school, he had a bright red rash on his cheeks, so I know he was contagious at some point (though neither DH nor I remember him having even a mild fever recently). Interestingly, last Friday, I woke up with such painful hands, knees and wrists that I was scared I was developing rheumatoid arthritis or something. I was also very tired and headache-y all weekend. I am much better, but after DS got his rash, I did more research and found out about fifth disease causing painful joints in adults. I never would have put the two together. Treatment is the usual for a virus: rest, fluids and pain relievers. Symptoms such as the rash and joint pain may hang around up to a few weeks or months.
Hopefully, this info will help out someone. I just thought I'd pass it along, since we were all so 'in the dark' about it around here.
Re: PSA: Parvovirus or 'fifth disease' - ever heard of it? Poor you! Our family was exposed and I am praying that I had this as a child so I do not get it. It is usually mild in kids, but comes with the joint pain in adults. My best friend in TN has this right now and she says her hands hurt so bad one day she could not even write with a pen! I feel for you!
Re: PSA: Parvovirus or 'fifth disease' - ever heard of it? My older girls had it a few years ago. They got all kinds of rashes though, so it didn't bother us at all.
Wife to 1not updated right now, mama to 3 little girls.
Re: PSA: Parvovirus or 'fifth disease' - ever heard of it? That's exactly the way I was at work on Friday. They say that pain relievers should work, but they didn't do a thing for me. I hope your friend feels better soon!Originally Posted by puakinikini
Re: PSA: Parvovirus or 'fifth disease' - ever heard of it? My son had this two years ago. I didn't even know it - his teacher told me that it looked like he had it but since the rash was already visible that he was not contagious anymore. I would have never even noticed the slight rash but she recognized it as Fifth's Disease. He didn't complain or have any other symptoms.
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