Amy in Orlando Posted May 16, 2008 Share Posted May 16, 2008 My son's cheeks are bright red! I didn't notice at first because he got a lot of sun this weekend and his normal coloring is pinky as well. Is this Fifth's? No fever and no other symptoms. I hate googling illness - gives me nightmares. Is he contagious? Should I be doing anything? TIA:confused: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pam "SFSOM" in TN Posted May 16, 2008 Share Posted May 16, 2008 My son's cheeks are bright red! I didn't notice at first because he got a lot of sun this weekend and his normal coloring is pinky as well. Is this Fifth's? No fever and no other symptoms. I hate googling illness - gives me nightmares. Is he contagious? Should I be doing anything? TIA:confused: Don't be afraid to google fifth's. That's the only place he's bright red? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amy in Orlando Posted May 16, 2008 Author Share Posted May 16, 2008 Don't be afraid to google fifth's. That's the only place he's bright red? Thanks Pam! I'm such a wimp. Yep, no strep rash on his groin or armpits. His cheeks are smooth, not sandpapery. I'm going to suck it up and google. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pam "SFSOM" in TN Posted May 16, 2008 Share Posted May 16, 2008 Thanks Pam! I'm such a wimp. Yep, no strep rash on his groin or armpits. His cheeks are smooth, not sandpapery. I'm going to suck it up and google. Mild and quick. Notice no one is rushing to develop a vaccine for fifth's disease. It doesn't even have it's own name, just a number. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vida Winter Posted May 16, 2008 Share Posted May 16, 2008 when we lived in Virginia, including me. It's also called "slap-face disease" due to the appearance of the red cheeks. In adults different symptoms will be exhibited (I got a weird rash on my feet and ankles and developed joint pain). I remember going to our son's high school graduation with a bright red baby girl (it was outdoors). If it is Fifth's, it won't be too bad. :grouphug: Dana Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suzanne in ABQ Posted May 16, 2008 Share Posted May 16, 2008 If it's fifths, the fever could have been as long as three weeks ago. Also, once the rash appears, it is no longer contagious, so no worries there. It can be dangerous to unborn babies, however. So, if your ds has been around any pregnant women in the last three weeks, especially if they're less than 20 weeks along, you'll want to let them know. There are things that can be done for the baby, but it can be dangerous if undiagnosed. I had fifth when I was 18 weeks pregnant. They took it very seriously. I had to see a specialist, and I had weekly ultrasounds to moniter the baby. She was fine, by the way. Anyway, you're other kids might get it, if they haven't had it already. The symptoms are more noticable and uncomfortable the older the patient, but it's not something to worry about. Here's a link to the CDC website regarding Fifth Disease (also called Parvovirus B19), and Fifth during pregnancy: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/submenus/sub_parvovirus.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mo2 Posted May 16, 2008 Share Posted May 16, 2008 Fifth's is no biggie, although if you happen to know anyone who is pregnant, you will have to keep your kids away from them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amy in Orlando Posted May 16, 2008 Author Share Posted May 16, 2008 Thanks for the advice on pregnant women! One of my neighbors is TTC so I will let her know, otherwise, I think we're ok in that department. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cathy in IL Posted May 16, 2008 Share Posted May 16, 2008 If it is Fifth's disease, please, please, please keep him away from anyone who has sickle cell or other blood disorders affecting their red blood cells. My son ended up in the hospital for a week needing multiple transfusions from fifth's disease. It shuts down the bone marrows productions of red blood cells. That is a big deal for people who don't have typical red blood cells to start with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sugarfoot Posted May 16, 2008 Share Posted May 16, 2008 My oldest had Fifth's Disease last Feb. I got it from him--I was about 10 weeks pregnant. We were uncomfortable, (achy, tired, slightly feverish) although being on a tropical island at the time helped a little...Hopefully, it'll pass quickly! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suzanne in ABQ Posted May 16, 2008 Share Posted May 16, 2008 That's the problem with pregnancy, too. It can shut down the unborn baby's red blood cell production. They can become anemic and have to have a transfusion in utero. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suzanne in ABQ Posted May 16, 2008 Share Posted May 16, 2008 Actually, if it's Fifth, and he has the rash, he's no longer contagious. It's the other kids in the family (and previously uninfected adults) who may have it and be contagious. Keep them away from pregnant women and people with blood disorders until the rash appears. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amy in Orlando Posted May 16, 2008 Author Share Posted May 16, 2008 If it is Fifth's disease, please, please, please keep him away from anyone who has sickle cell or other blood disorders affecting their red blood cells. My son ended up in the hospital for a week needing multiple transfusions from fifth's disease. It shuts down the bone marrows productions of red blood cells. That is a big deal for people who don't have typical red blood cells to start with. Thanks Cathy. I will definitely be careful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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