In most cases, fifth disease isn’t a serious illness and will go away without treatment. However, if you or your child has an underlying medical condition that may increase your risk of complications, such as a weakened immune system or sickle cell anemia, or if you are pregnant, contact your doctor right away.
Medication Options
AcetaminophenNonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofenAntihistamine to relieve itching
An important note: Never give a child or teenager aspirin when they are ill with a virus, as it can increase the risk for Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious disorder that can cause brain and liver damage.
Prevention of Fifth Disease
No vaccine can prevent fifth disease. The best way to reduce your risk of getting the virus is to practice good hygiene habits (and teach them to your child):
Washing your hands thoroughly and often with soap and waterCovering your mouth and nose with your elbow when you cough or sneezeBeing careful to avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouthAvoiding close contact with people who are sickStaying home and not going to work or school when you or your child are sick
Possible complications from fifth disease include these issues:
Your body’s immune system builds up a defense against parvovirus B19 once you’ve been exposed to the virus, so you should be immune to it if you had fifth disease as a child. (This is why adults typically do not get the disease.)
MeaslesRubellaRoseolaScarlet fever
In adults, common fifth disease symptoms of joint pain and swelling can resemble those of other conditions as well:
InfluenzaMononucleosisRheumatoid arthritis
From tips on how to prevent transmission to the lowdown on the virus that causes fifth disease, the CDC’s leading infectious disease experts lay out essential information you need to know about this common illness among school-age kids. HealthyChildren.org This helpful site run by the American Academy of Pediatrics details key info that parents will want to know, such as when your child will be able to go back to school, when the virus may cause serious problems, and when to call your child’s doctor. Additional reporting by Cathy Cassata.
