What are the symptoms of fifth disease and when do they appear?
One to two weeks after exposure, some children will experience a low grade fever and tiredness. By the third week, a red rash generally appears on the cheeks giving a “slapped face” appearance. The rash may then extend to the body and tends to fade and reappear. Sometimes, the rash is lacy in appearance and may be itchy. Some children may have vague signs of illness or no symptoms at all. When and for how long is a person able to spread the disease? People with fifth disease appear to be contagious during the week before the appearance of the rash. By the time the rash appears, the person is probably no longer contagious. How is fifth disease diagnosed? In most cases, the diagnosis is based on the appearance of typical symptoms. A specific antibody test to confirm the diagnosis has recently became available but is not necessary in healthy children. Does past infection with the virus make a person immune? It is thought that people who have been previously infected acquire long-term or l
