About this topic
Erythema infectiosum is commonly called fifth disease. It is a skin infection caused by a virus. This virus makes the cheeks look bright red. Then, the rash may appear on the arms, legs, and middle of the body. Sometimes, there is a fever and joint pain with this illness. ‚
Most often, in 1 to 2 weeks, the rash begins to fade without treatment. This illness is spread from person to person. This virus spreads through very tiny drops of moisture. These come from your nose or mouth when you breathe, cough, or sneeze. This infection may be a problem for a pregnant woman or someone with other health problems. ‚
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Get lots of rest. Sleep when you are feeling tired. Avoid doing tiring activities.
- Lower your stress level. Keep out of the sun and avoid getting too warm. These may make your rash return.
What follow-up care is needed?
If you have other health problems, or if you are pregnant, your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Treat viral infection
- Help with pain
- Relieve itching
- Lower fever
Will physical activity be limited?
- Physical activity may not be limited.
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
Follow these steps to help you and your family stay healthy. ‚
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 15 seconds, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers also work to kill the virus.
- If you are sick, cover your mouth and nose with tissue when you cough or sneeze. You can also cough into your elbow. Throw away tissues in the trash and wash your hands after touching used tissues.
- Do not get too close (kissing, hugging) to people who are sick.
- Do not share towels or hankies with anyone who is sick.
- Stay away from crowded places.
- Take vitamin C to help build up your bodys ability to fight disease.
- Get a flu shot each year.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough.
- If your child is confused, very tired, irritable, not able to pass urine
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse.
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what I can do to help avoid passing the infection to others.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have fever, chills, cough, or am not feeling better in 2 to 3 days.
Where can I learn more?
Arthritis Foundation ‚
http://www.arthritis.org/conditions-treatments/disease-center/fifth-disease/ ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/skin/fifth.html# ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚