This is a new one to me. A note came home from the grade school (so I've heard, anyway...my dd didn't get it to me) that there have been kids come down with this. I really don't know anything about it, beyond the fever and rash...has anyone had first-hand experience with it? Is it something to get worked up over? Does it require medication? What do you do to treat it? TIA

By Vicki on Wednesday, February 8, 2006 - 10:58 am:

If I remember correctly, there is nothing you can do for this. It is just a virus that has to run it's course. Nothing to get too worked up over, although the little ones can be miserable for a couple of days with the fever. Once the rash shows up, they are no longer contagious. Now, this is all from memory of years ago, so I could be off. LOL

By Janet on Wednesday, February 8, 2006 - 10:58 am:

OK, never mind. I just did some looking, and have found that this isn't something to panic over. Here's a very comforting article I found, so I'll share:
www.aresearchguide.com/drk5th.html

Thanks anyway!

By Tayjar on Wednesday, February 8, 2006 - 11:15 am:

My DS had this last week. The doctor even thought it was just a bad cold until I called to tell them it was going around school. she said treatment was still the same - lots of rest, pain medicine as needed, and fluids. He stayed home 2 days and went to school the rest of the week.

By Heaventree on Wednesday, February 8, 2006 - 01:08 pm:

I think there is a concern when a woman who is pregnant is exposed. I remember when I was pregnant with Matthew, my MIL was exposed to a child who had it and we had to ask the doctor if it was ok for my MIL to be near me.

By Mrsheidi on Wednesday, February 8, 2006 - 01:11 pm:

Ditto Heaventree...I believe it's a major thing with pregnant women. I was preggers and my little brother had it. We almost canceled our trip to see them just because of the risk to the unborn child.

By Janet on Wednesday, February 8, 2006 - 03:20 pm:

Thanks!

By Joy~bundles on Wednesday, February 8, 2006 - 10:01 pm:

I came down with Fifth's Disease back in 1994. I had developed a lace-like rash on my arms, torso, and legs, and felt a little bit tired and achey, but no big deal. I don't remember if the doctor even prescribed anything for me other than getting enough rest, but he definitely did warn me to keep away from pregnant women so they wouldn't be exposed, which would be potentially harmful to mother and fetus.

By Bobbie~moderatr on Wednesday, February 8, 2006 - 10:09 pm:

All three of my youngest had it.. Pretty much treated it like a flu bug. Lots of fluids, rest and pain medication as needed. And it can cause complications in pregnancy. I worked for a PED when my kids had it and had to have him write a note for them to return to school. The rash took a while to get rid of and the school didn't know enough about it to just allow them back in with out a note from the doctor..

Oh, and after the rash seemed to go away, IF they got over heated, flushed the rash would reappear..

By Insaneusmcwife on Thursday, February 9, 2006 - 10:07 am:

is this the same as hand, foot and mouth?

By Feona on Thursday, February 9, 2006 - 10:14 am:

http://www.healthofchildren.com/E-F/Fifth-Disease.html

There is a picture of it. I am sure you can find more picture

Goggle search:
Fifth disease picture rash