Can me and my step son be passing the fifth disease back and forth?

My step son and I have this rash. This is the second time in a month we have both had rashes. They say its the fifth disease. I was in the hospital two weeks ago because of it. And now he has it again and today I see that im getting it on my arm and face. He has it on his face and arms.But I read that once you get the fifth disease that you usually don't get it again. Could we be passing it back an fourth and keeping it going? We are the only ones in the house that is getting it.

We both went to another doctor today and he said it was an allergic reaction to something. Thanks for the answer and suggestions!

It sounds like a second illness. Erythema infectiosum (5th) is usually a "once and done" viral disease.
I would suggest that you go back to your doctor and have the rash looked at again (both of you at the same time) to make sure you do not have another illness that you are spreading back and forth. You should not be able to pass 5th back and forth.

According to the source below fifths disease is a viral infection that can be spread from person to person through coughing, sneezing, utensils or sharing drinking cups. Although the source did say that in families with a child with fifths disease, other family members have a fifty percent chance of getting the infection and adults usually don't have the disease again, you may be reinfecting each other. Because the person is most contagious right before the rash appears, you should always make sure to wash your hands and do not share eating utensils or drinking cups. Because fifths disease is a viral infection, there is no real cure other than rest. Consult your doctor if you have more questions. Good luck.

Fifth is caused by the human parvovirus B19 and once most people have had it, they develop an immunity. What you describe, the passing back & forth, doesn't sound like Fifth. Even if it were, many people have had it without knowing and would then be immune to future infections, which would explain why no one else is getting it.

Fifth is a respiratory virus spread through droplet transmission - coughing, sneezing, spraying saliva, through saliva exhange, saliva-contaminated items, respirations, etc.

Return to the doctor while you both still have the rashes. The Fifth rash is very distinctive. The infection is also called Slap Cheek. It also appears on the rest of the body in a fine, red lacy pattern, not just on the arms. It is unmistakeable. Confirm that you both have it.

You are still in the midst of the virus. The rash itself can come and go for a few weeks. But you are still suffering from the virus whether or not you see the lacy rash. It does help to keep the rash undercontrol if you stay out of the sun.