Q: I am looking for information on fifth disease, proper treatment for adults and the prognosis.
A: Fifth disease, a/k/a parvovirus infection or slapped cheek disease is a highly contagious ailment that commonly affects children in elementary school. This viral infection is listed among the five common infections of childhood that produce a rash. The incubation period ranges from 4 to 28 days, with the average being 16 days. It is more prevalent in the winter and spring; however, it can occur at any time and among individuals of any age. Most adults have antibodies that prevent them from developing fifth disease. When it affects adults, particularly those with a compromised immune system, the infection can be very dangerous.
Signs and symptoms for children may include an upset stomach, low-grade fever, sore throat, headache and fatigue in the earliest stages. This is followed within a few days by a bright red rash on the cheeks that may appear on the arms, trunk, thighs and buttocks as the disorder diminishes. The rash may wax and wane for up to three weeks and will exacerbate when the child is exposed to elevated temperatures or spends time out of doors in the sunshine.
Adults on the other hand will be more likely to complain of pain in the hands, wrists, knees and ankles but they will not ordinarily develop the facial rash. There is no specific treatment for adults unless they also suffer from a compromised immune system, sickle cell anemia, or if a woman is pregnant. In fact, most physicians will advise their patients who seek treatment to wait out the symptoms because there simply is no medication available that will modify the course of the disease. Thus, ordinary care includes receiving sufficient rest, drinking fluids, and treating fevers if they occur should be sufficient. However, those with a compromised immune system may require antibodies via immune globulin injections.
Human parvovirus B19 is responsible for causing the fifth disease, the parvovirus infection that can spread from person to person regardless of age, through respiratory secretions or hand-to-hand contact. The difficult thing is that the contagious stage of the disease occurs in children in the week prior to an appearance of a rash. Once the rash appears, the child is no longer contagious. Thus, children often return to school once the rash occurs.
Complications may set in for individuals who suffer from anemia, a condition in which red blood cells are used up faster than bone marrow can replace them. The parvovirus may halt the production of red blood cells, causing major health issues. Parvovirus can also cause complications for individuals with a compromised immune system such as found with AIDs patients, treatments provided for cancer patients, and for those who have received an organ transplant who are on anti-rejection drugs and for the unborn children of women who have been infected with parvovirus during their pregnancy.
Once infected with B19, an individual – child or adult – will have lifetime immunity. So in essence, this is a one shot deal if it occurs. Take precautions by washing your hands frequently, discarding used tissues once blowing your nose, eat well, receive adequate sleep, exercise, and limit your contact with people who are sneezing or coughing and appear to have symptoms that resemble a cold.
