Re: Can anyone tell me what SLAP CHEEK is ?
Asked by RobynM

Question:
 

A child at my son's Activity Group has Slap Cheek. All we have been told is that it is highly contagious ! Any info would be appreciated, because

I have never heard of it ! Thank you.

My Advice:
Slapped cheek syndrome or slap cheek is also known as fifth disease which means according to a doctor who diagnosed my

 

son with a similar condition the fifth common infection found in children.It is called this because when a person is infected

their cheeks appear to be like they have been slapped and are red like a rash.The virus can cause miscarriages if a pregnant woman is exposed and cotracts the virus,during the first twenty weeks of pregnancy.The person is at the infectious stage about a 5-10 days before the illness actually becomes apparent and when the rash is visible they are no longer infectious.Symptoms normally include a low grade fever,cold like syptoms e.g.runny nose ,sore throat,headaches.Some children can become nauseas and suffer from stomach pain and diarrhoea.

The most common outbreaks occur when the children are aged between 5 to 14 years .

After 2-4 days the rash will disappear and once you have had the disease you are immune for life.

If there are children at school with the virus your child may likely catch it.

If you are pregnant you can ask the doctor for a blood test if necessary to see if you are immune to slapped cheek.

I hope this is helpful to all concerned.