Fifth Disease...could it be?

I have been sick for several months. My doctor is testing me for parvovirus (fifth disease). He said you don't have to have a rash to have this. Is it dangerous and does anyone know anything about it?

Definition

Fifth disease is a viral illness with mild symptoms and a blotchy rash. The rash begins on the cheeks and spreads to the arms and legs.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Fifth disease is caused by human parvovirus B19. It often affects preschoolers or school-age children during the spring. The disease is spread by contact with respiratory secretions and usually lasts for five days. However, the rash associated with fifth disease may recur for several weeks. Recurrences may be brought on by exposure to sunlight, heat, exercise, fever, or emotional stress.

The first sign of the disease noticed by parents is usually bright red cheeks, which look as though the child has been recently slapped on both sides of the face. Following this, a rash appears on the extremities and trunk. The rash fades from the center outwards, giving it a lacy appearance. Over a period of 1-2 weeks, the rash disappears entirely. This illness is also sometimes associated with fever.

If a pregnant woman becomes infected with parvovirus, it can cause significant harm to her unborn baby. Any pregnant woman who believes that she may have been in contact with a person who has parvovirus should consult with her physician.

Parvovirus B19 is also thought to cause other diseases. In healthy adults (particularly women), it may be responsible for an infectious form of arthritis. In people with AIDS, a weakened immune system, or hereditary anemia such as sickle cell disease, it may produce a profound anemia (deficiency of certain blood cells) called "transient aplastic crisis."

The majority of adults seem to have antibodies to parvovirus B19 in their bodies. This indicates that most people have been exposed to the virus, and also suggests that many infections go unnoticed.

Symptoms

Rash, first appearing on the cheeks, often looks like "slapped cheeks"
A rash spreading to the arms and legs about one day later, often has a "lacy" appearance
Fever
Joint pain
Signs and tests

The appearance and pattern of the rash is examined. A classic appearance of the rash may make the diagnosis straightforward.

Blood tests for antibodies against parvovirus B19, which may indicate infection, are available, although they are not commonly necessary. They may be of use in the diagnosis of "aplastic crisis" and persistent anemia. Testing may also be done when there is a question of exposure in a pregnant mother whose immune status is not known.

Treatment

No treatment is usually required for fifth disease in children. If fever or joint discomfort is present then oral acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) may be given.

Expectations (prognosis)

Since this is a mild and generally benign viral infection, complete recovery can be expected.

Complications

There are generally no complications in normally healthy children.

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if symptoms suggestive of fifth disease develop (to rule out other disorders that could be causing the symptoms).

It's not dangerous if you get tratment on time...


don't worry... you'll be fine !


wish you the BEST !

fifth disease is fifth generation measles.....there really isnt anything you can do for it other than take benadryll to control any itching...pretty much have to let it run its course. my daughter had it when she was 3 and it took about 3 months to be over it completely.

My son had Fifth disease (so-named because it's the 5th disease of a similar group) when he was 12 or 13; he was ill for a few days, had a bit of a rash, and then was fine. It's not dangerous unless you're a pregnant female, and then the danger is primarily to the fetus. From everything that I've heard about it from our doctor at the time, as well as online, a duration of "months" for Fifth disease is very unusual, so I'd have to wonder if this is the correct diagnosis. If your family doctor can't come up with an answer, you might want to consult an internist.