Apparently "Fifth disease" got its name because it was fifth in a list of historical classifications of common skin rash's children get.
It is more common in children than adults. Most people get a rash on their chest, back, butt, or arms and legs.
In Aiden's case, he got it on all of the above!
All over.
The rash can be itchy, especially on the soles of the feet. The rash can vary in intensity and may come and go for several weeks.
Seriously?!
It usually goes away in 7 to 10 days, but it can last several weeks. As the rash starts to go away, it may look lacy.
Sounds exciting... not.
Fifth disease (Parvovirus B19) spreads through respiratory secretions (such as saliva or nasal mucus) when an infected person coughs or sneezes. You are most contagious when it seems like you have "just a cold" and before you get the rash or joint pain and swelling. After you get the rash, you are probably not contagious.
So now that my son is covered from head to toe in this rash, he's no longer contagious??
Once you recover from fifth disease, you develop immunity that generally protects you from parvovirus B19 infection in the future.
Well, thank goodness for that. Once this nightmare clears, he's done!
There is no vaccine or medicine that can prevent fifth disease (parvovirus B19 infection.)
Awesome. :/
