Erythema Infectiosum (Fifth Disease)
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.
Erythema infectiosum, or fifth disease, is a mild infection caused by a virus. It is spread through respiratory droplets, such as when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can also be spread through a blood transfusion. Erythema infectiosum is most common in school-aged children.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Seek care immediately if:
- Your child is confused.
- Your child is hard to wake.
Call your child's doctor if:
- Your child's rash does not go away after 10 days.
- Your child's joint pain and swelling do not get better with treatment.
- You have questions or concerns about your child's condition or care.
Medicines:
- Antihistamines may help decrease itching. It is available without a doctor's order. Use as directed.
- Ibuprofen or acetaminophen may help decrease your child's pain and fever. They are available without a doctor's order. Ask how much medicine is safe to give your child, and how often to give it. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage and ibuprofen can cause kidney damage if not used correctly.
- Do not give aspirin to children younger than 18 years. Your child could develop Reye syndrome if he or she has the flu or a fever and takes aspirin. Reye syndrome can cause life-threatening brain and liver damage. Check your child's medicine labels for aspirin or salicylates.
- Give your child's medicine as directed. Contact your child's healthcare provider if you think the medicine is not working as expected. Tell the provider if your child is allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs your child takes. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why they are taken. Bring the list or the medicines in their containers to follow-up visits. Carry your child's medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Help your child rest:
Encourage your child to read or draw quietly. Your child can return to his or her daily activities as directed.
Wash hands to prevent the spread of infection:
Remind your child to wash his or her hands often with soap and water. Wash your hands after you use the bathroom, change a child's diaper, or sneeze. Wash your hands before you prepare or eat food.
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Return to daycare or school:
Your child is contagious during the week before his or her rash appears. This is usually when your child has flu-like symptoms. Your child can return to daycare or school when his or her face rash appears. This means your child is no longer contagious. Tell your child's daycare or school that your child has fifth disease. They may need to tell other parents that their children have been exposed.
Follow up with your child's doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your child's visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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