Ok, so maybe I over-reacted

[GdBSN, RN]

Ok, kinda new to school nursing, so I have not seen the whole gammet of diseases yet. Student came to the clinic, c/o stomach ache, headache, had a bright red mark on his right cheek, but with no fever. I kept him in the clinic for 20 minutes before I called his parents, and the cheek continued to stay bright red. I called the parents, even though the CDC says not to exclude for 5th disease unless there is a fever. Dad shows up after the student has been in clinic for 45 minutes, the cheek is no longer red. My question is...Are there more concrete symptoms that present with 5th disease, how do you know for sure?

[Farawyn]

Did the kid feel sick enough to go home?

Don't try to diagnose so much. A red cheek could have been anything. It could have been exertion, it could have been contact dermatitis, he could have been leaning his cheek on his hand...

I'd rather over react than under react, just sayin'.

I wouldn't worry. :)

[OldDude]

Even though a unilateral rash on the cheek would be more indicative of what Far is referring to she gives good advise. Just focus on signs of a contagious illness, like fever or vomiting, or if you suspect a serious allergic reaction. Avoid references to any medical diagnosis (around parents and staff, ok for us). But still, never second guess yourself if you think you were over cautious about something. Better that than the opposite.