What Is Fifths Disease

By Ethan C Kalvin

Fifths disease is also known as hand, foot, and mouth disease and is a disease that commonly occurs in children. It usually begins with a symptom that is known as slapped cheek appearance in which the cheeks become extremely flushed and there can be some stomach symptoms associated with it. It usually is something that comes without a fever and is usually gone within just a few days.

One of the biggest problems with Fifth´s Disease is that it is highly contagious and because there is no fever associated with it even the health department feels that it´s okay for these children to attend school even when presenting with these symptoms, therefore spreading it around. Now if the only issues associated with the disease were those listed above this might be acceptable but Fifth´s Disease can present much differently in individuals who are anemic, infants and toddlers, and adults.

In adults for instance it´s rare but not impossible to have the slapped cheek appearance as well as the stomach problems. Adults get a bonus from Fifth´s Disease however and that´s in the form of transient joint pain. The pain moves from one joint to another without warning, can be extremely painful, and this can happen for up to six months following exposure to the disease. Fortunately most people find that the joint pain goes away within the first month.

In people that are anemic and in infants and toddlers the Fifth´s Disease can actually become Scarlet Fever, since it is a strep-based virus. In this case a child would need antibiotics and would run a high fever in association with a red skin rash. In this situation medical attention and isolation are deemed appropriate. Usually after treatment for only a couple of days the patient will gradually improve and both the fever and the rash will go away.

Overall, it may seem like a little illness that doesn´t do too much of anything, however, hand, foot, and mouth disease is an illness that has different ramifications for different individuals and is not something that should be taken lightly. If you or your child has been exposed to this disease or begin manifesting these symptoms seek out the advice of physician and try to avoid contact with others for at least the first few days. Since everyone reacts differently to this disease it is best to limit your exposure to others to help avoid spread of this illness and its various forms.

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