Rash (Fifth Disease) (a pink-red viral infectious rash that begins with a bright red or rosy rash on both cheeks for 1-3 days followed by pink, "lacelike" rash on thighs and upper arms and/or trunk)
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Emergent Care - Have you identified one or more of the following symptoms?
| Yes |
No |
Seek Immediate Medical Attention!
These symptoms can be life-threatening. |
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| Incubation is usually 10-14 days and the child is contagious during the week before the rash appears
The lacy body rash may come and go for 5 weeks, especially when the child becomes hot or is exposed to the sun
Once the rash has developed the child is no longer contagious
All pregnant women exposed to Fifth Disease should call their obstetrician
Adults who contract Fifth Disease often develop a milder rash and have several months of joint pain |
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Urgent Care - Have you identified one or more of the following symptoms?
- A fever of 100.4 F or greater for over 72 hours
- Rash becomes itchy
- Child appears worse or acts very sick
| Yes |
No |
Contact Your Health Care Provider. |
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Self-Management - You can help in the following ways:
- No treatment necessary
- Give acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil), as needed for fever or discomfort, if no reasons to the contrary
- Encourage fluids
- Allow child's appetite to determine intake
- Allow child to determine activity
- Avoid contact with pregnant women if child has been exposed, but does not yet have the rash (child may be contagious)
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