Unbiased Reviews by Real People
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Unbiased Reviews by Real People
Fifths DiseaseJan 7, 2001 Write an essay on this topic.I have heard of this disease over the years but never had any contact with it until the last couple of months. Though it is mainly passed from one child to another by sneezing and coughing and the best time of the year for this disease is the spring. It can also be spread from mother to the child while pregnant. Many children under age five and adults have had the disease without even knowing it. The virus responsible for this disease is the parvovirus B19, a virus that lives only in humans. This is not the same virus that affects dogs. It seems to be transmitted mainly by body fluids, including droplets produced when you cough or sneeze but also including blood. Symptoms usually appear within 4 days to 2 weeks after exposure, but may take as long as 3 weeks. The virus seems to be less contagious once the rash appears (so children with the rash can go to school or day-care without exposing others). The main symptom of fifth disease in children is a blotchy, red rash that begins on the cheeks and within a day or two is followed by a pink lace-like pattern, which spreads to the exposed areas of the arms and legs. At the start of the disease the rash on the face may look like someone gave the child a good slap in the face. The rash usually fades within seven to ten days, but may return over a several week period (1 to 3 weeks) if the child is exposed to sunlight or heat. Children fare far better than adults especially if they are healthy. If your child or you have sickle-cell anemia or other abnormalities of the blood get in touch with your doctor immediately to make sure you are ok. If you do have these abnormalities you could be contagious for months to even a year. Fifth disease is rare in adults and the ones that do get it at least ¼ th of these don’t even know they have it. Some of the common symptoms in adults are as follows: Painful and swollen joints that may last from a few days to several months, and a rash that may be mistaken for the rash of rubella or scarlet fever. A very rare symptom for both children and adults is fever, which is usually very mild, if present at all, and usually comes before the rash. Fatigue may also happen prior to the rash appearing. There is presently no vaccine available for parvovirus B19, and no good and simple test for it outside of hospital and research laboratories. You just have to rely on your doctor know what he or she is treating you for. If you are pregnant and know you have been exposed to this disease contact your doctor immediately and tell him or her and follow what suggestions they have. Also remember the key to helping prevent any illness is to wash your hands a lot, do not eat or drink after someone that is ill and try to remove yourself or your children from the situation if at all possible.  |
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