ADVICE RATING |
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Fifth disease...Slap Cheek disease |
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by cookclan  (January 2007) (rank 3rd) |
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I thought I would write a bit of advice about a chilhood illness that has been through our home before...I remember when Michaela got up one morning with these bright red cheeks.....It looked like she had slept wrong on her face or someone had smacked her in the face...... It was
a little scary actually.........I took her to the doctor and he diagnosed her with Fifth disease.....also known as slap cheek disease......
Fifth disease is pretty common in school age kids.......The reason it is sometimes called slap cheek disease is becasue of the distinctive red rash on the cheek like someone has slapped it......Even though it is called Fifth disease it is actually a virus caused by parvovirus B19 and no it is not related to or the same as the one that dogs can get.....It cannot be passed from humans to dogs or from dogs to humans........
SYMPTOMS the first lot
SYMPTOMS the second lot
- A rash appears on the cheeks and face spreads down the body and onto the arms and legs....but it tends to be lighter than the face.
It states on www.kidshealth.org that it can take from 1 to 3 weeks for the rash to disappear....... Michaelas was gone in 4 days.......
The majority of Michaela's preschool got this when she came down with it as it is contagious before the rash appears...... It is spread through bodily fluids like coughs and sneezes..... droplets of saliva and sharing cups or eating utensils......
Once your child or you have had this virus you usually become immune and will not get it again........ The best way to try to avoid this is through washing your hands.....This is no guarantee but it can not hurt........ There is no treatment for this because it is a rash caused by a virus so does not need antibiotics........ It is suggested but if you are pregnant and come in contact with this or have it to contact your obstetrician to discuss any complications this may casue in the first trimester.......
So if your child does come up with what looks like either a red face or red cheeks take them off to the doctor because it might just be slap cheek disease......
Have a great day
Cheers
Angie
