Fifth disease is a mild illness that usually occurs in children and is caused by parvovirus B19. This eMedTV Web page explains the history, symptoms, transmission, and treatment of the disease, and links to other resources about the condition.
A virus called parvovirus B19 is the fifth disease cause. The information on this eMedTV Web page discusses this viral cause of fifth disease, other related illnesses, and whether parvovirus B19 can be transmitted from pets to humans and vice versa.
Parvovirus B19 is a virus that can cause a variety of conditions, including fifth disease. This eMedTV article takes an in-depth look at this virus, including information about how it is transmitted, the various conditions it can cause, and more.
As explained in this eMedTV resource, fifth disease transmission most likely occurs when a person comes into contact with the respiratory secretions of an infected person. This article discusses statistics concerning transmission of fifth disease.
A "slapped cheek" rash, fever, chills, and body aches are common fifth disease symptoms. This section of the eMedTV Web site describes signs and symptoms of fifth disease often seen in children, as well as those that adults with the illness may have.
A doctor diagnosing fifth disease will review the patient's medical history and conduct a physical exam. This eMedTV resource explains the steps involved in making a fifth disease diagnosis, including information about blood tests used in some cases.
Fifth disease treatment usually involves getting rest and taking medications such as ibuprofen. This eMedTV article discusses treatment of fifth disease in both adults and children, and explains treatment of rare (but serious) cases of the illness.
At this point there is no vaccine for fifth disease prevention. As this eMedTV segment explains, the best way to help prevent fifth disease is to wash your hands frequently.
In most cases, fifth disease does not result in complications during pregnancy. This eMedTV article discusses pregnancy and fifth disease, with tips for preventing infection and tests used to confirm the presence of the virus that causes the illness.
A miscarriage after fifth disease seems to occur in less than 5 percent of pregnant women with the illness. This eMedTV Web page discusses the possibility of a miscarriage after fifth disease, which seems to be most common during the first trimester.
As explained in this eMedTV segment, fifth disease in children is more common than it is in adults and can cause symptoms such as a rash that resembles a slapped cheek. This article discusses fifth disease and its effect on children.
While it can affect an adult, fifth disease is a mild illness most often seen in children. As this eMedTV article explains, however, when adults do get fifth disease, they may experience joint pain and are less likely to have a rash.
The fifth disease prognosis is usually good, as long as the person who is infected is otherwise healthy. This eMedTV page discusses specific conditions, such as sickle cell anemia, that may make the fifth disease prognosis less favorable.
