Fifth Disease In Adults

Fifth disease, or erythema infectiosum, its proper name, which construes to mean 'infectious redness', it isn't really the case, it is more of a misnomer because once the rash develops, the individual will no longer be contagious hence will not pass it on to other people who comes in contact with them. The disease, also identified as slapped-cheek syndrome, is more prevalent in children, but isn't limited to any age group as even adults are affected by it too.

The symptoms of the fifth disease in adults are somewhat common to common cold or flu; joint pains, headaches, and fever being the commonest. However, not every person will manifest these symptoms. It is equally characterized by a red rash forming on the face and the upper arms at times. The symptoms will appear after the earlier ones have faded and may sometimes become very irritating and itchy.

In adults, the prevalence rate in women is higher than it is in men. Fifth disease in adults is normally not an alarming disease because the virus will disappear as mysteriously as it appeared on its own. However, because it may be characterized by joint pains, pain medicine such as ibuprofen can greatly soothe the pain and doctors will always advise you complement that with lots of rest.

Note however that if you suffer from heart problems, blood disorder, have a compromised immune system, or are pregnant, it is recommended that you consult a physician for further advice as the condition will be different under these circumstances. Be advised that the virus that causes fifth disease, known as Parvovirus B19, can get into joints and lead to septic arthritis, reason enough to visit the physician if the joint pains intensify or persists.

Sadly, there is no cure or vaccine yet for fifth disease in adults. However, if it affected you during childhood, your body will already have formed immunity to the fifth disease hence you will not be infected in your adulthood. You can ask your doctor for a blood test to find out whether your blood has the antibodies necessary to fight the virus, to determine if you were infected when young or not. If you haven't been infected before, you might be prone to fifth disease in adults if you work with children like a nursery nurse, teacher, or a healthcare professional. Chances of getting infected if a family member living in close proximity in the same household is around 50%.