Close Topic Options

Fifth

What do you know about Fifth disease (viral infection)?

Fifth disease is a viral infection which often affects red blood cells. It is caused by a human parvovirus (B19). For many years, fifth disease was viewed as an unimportant rash illness of children. Recently, studies have shown that the virus may be responsible for serious complications in certain individuals.

Who gets fifth disease?
Anyone can be infected, but the disease seems to occur more often in elementary school-age children.

How is the virus spread?
The virus is spread by exposure to airborne droplets from the nose and throat of infected people.

Ref. https://health.utah.gov/els/epidemiology/epifacts/fifths.html

Fifth

I have three kids that are young, and my oldest is in elementary school and I have never heard of this virus. I have dealt with the ocassional unknown rash that last for about a week with no cause. It makes me wonder if this was what was wrong. It doesn't seem to have any lasting effect on young kids though and doesn't seem to hang around very long.