Fifth Disease

Published

Specializes in HIV/AIDS, Dementia, Psych.

UGH! I had some flu like symptoms for a few days, then woke up one morning with a lacy red rash covering my body. I went in to wake up my daughter and she had a red lacy rash all over her face. To the doc we went and she told us it was most likely fifth disease. Fifth disease is a virus that goes around in schools causing a rash, flu like symptoms and various other things. One thing I have now (started yesterday) is severe joint pain and inflammation in every one of my joints. In reading up on this virus, I see that this is a very common symptom especially for adult women. It says this symptom can last for up to several months :eek: I certainly hope it doesn't since this is EXTREMELY uncomfortable. Have any of you had any personal experience with this virus? Any advice or personal stories you can give me would be greatly appreciated.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, Infection Control.

Have you checked back w/the doctor?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in HIV/AIDS, Dementia, Psych.
Have you checked back w/the doctor?

No, I haven't yet. I was there this Monday to see her and I hate going to the doctor! I am going to see what happens over the weekend and if it worsens or doesn't clear up, I'll go back.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, Infection Control.

You could call the office? Nobody likes to go in there, but that way she could get back to you w/info, and you don't have to do a co-pay!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hello...my kids and I developed "fifths disease", aka "slapped cheek" approximately 7yrs ago. I don't remember it being terribly painful, just some joint achiness for less than a week. My oldest son developed the arthritic symtoms, too which lasted about a week for him also. I was lucky enough to get chicken pox at 32 years old--and Fifth Disease was nothing compared to that! I hope you and your daughter will be feeling better soon. Watch out about being around pregnant ladies--those not immune to the disease can experience complications.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in HIV/AIDS, Dementia, Psych.

lynn, I am glad to hear the arthritic symptoms lasted only a week. I hope it's the same for me!

I just got home from the doc (my co workers MADE me go) :chuckle and she agrees this is a symptom of fifth. She did although test me for Lupus, RA, Lyme and the fifth virus along with the basic bloodwork. She told me to take Bextra daily and offered me a Depo Medrol shot which I declined. I have never had steroid Tx and was afraid of side effects that would make me even more uncomfy than I am now. Thanks for the replies.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hemodialysis, Home Health.

Hey there! Glad you went and got yourself checked out... hate that you're feeling poorly. Take care of yourselves and get better reeeeeeeeeal soon, ok? How's you dtr. doing with it?

Hope it passes quickly, for both your sakes.... :kiss

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in HIV/AIDS, Dementia, Psych.
Hey there! Glad you went and got yourself checked out... hate that you're feeling poorly. Take care of yourselves and get better reeeeeeeeeal soon, ok? How's you dtr. doing with it?

Hope it passes quickly, for both your sakes.... :kiss

Thanks jnette! I'm hoping it passes quickly too! My daughter, thank goodness, is doing just fine. The only symptom she had was the rash which has faded and didn't slow her down a bit. It's kinda like chicken pox...not bad when you're a kid but WATCH OUT! if you get it as an adult.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, PICU, educator.

That rash can come back in the sun for a few weeks after too! My daughter had it in preschool, as a matter of fact the whole preschool had it! You are contagious until the rash breaks out. I think we probably infected a whole plane and a very popular vacation place LOL I hate viral things!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion