[Vicki H]

Does anyone know anything about this? Alex was exposed.

Thanks,
Vicki

[Kasey]

Vicki--it is a common viral infection also known as erythema infectiosum and the kids can have a slapped cheek rash to their face. This can also be accompanied by headache, fever, cold like symptoms. The rash starts onthe face and then spreads to the trunk, arms, legs. You are contagious before the rash appears, so hard to prevent or isolate someone. Incubation is 4-28 days. Rash lasts 1-3 weeks. Since it is a virus, there is no treatment, just tx the symptoms. Kids do well with just minor symptoms as above and recover quickly. Once you have had it you generally develop immunity to parvovirus B19 (which is what causes the virus).
This is very common in school age kids.

So dont worry, if he gets it he will recover quickly!

[Vicki H]

Thanks Kris, I appreciate it. I was worried, he did have a bit of a rash last night, but no slapped look on his face.

He seems fine though. Thanks for the info.


Vicki

[mikiment]

Hi, Vicki. Christopher just had this. He woke up from nap time with bright red cheeks that felt very warm, but he wasn't running a fever. Hours later, Alexandra had the same thing. Called the drs' office and described (after doing the usual internet searches, heh, heh.) Drs' office gave same basic info you already received, and said no need to come in unless he started running high fever or had other symptoms; just keep them comfortable.

For my kids, it disappeared after just one day. The next morning, they woke up with no further signs of rash/redness, and they never did run a fever. Hope your Alex does as well. Best of luck.

[Vicki H]

Thank you.

[Abdulina]

Alex had this last year. Very common in young kids and VERY contagious. Same thing, just treat the symptoms. Alex's disappeared after a few days and ironically, no one else in the house got it. good luck.

Take care,

[Aphi86]

Ha! We got this in Russia! Ellen showed up with it on the plane ride out of Korea, and then I got it the next day. Ironically, Baby Ava and DH didn't get it.

[maddensmom]

Just a quick note on this Vicki... He can give it to you. It makes adults kind of achy along with the rash. Hope you all are well.

[carrie2adopt]

I'm guessing this is what's called "slap cheek"? I've heard it can be dangerous if a pregnant woman is exposed to it, just fyi.

[ATwinkleofHope]

This is running through our schools, and I am a sub so Brianne and I both got it. For kids, it is pretty mild and just has to run its course. However, it can be much worse for adults. I broke out in a rash but it started at my feet instead of on my face and went all the way up my body. Though it is not suppose to itch very much- Mine itched and burned miserably and I could barely move. Every joint in my body was stiff and hurt and I couldn't even pick up Brianne who weighs only 28 lbs. It can also be fatal for a fetus if you are pregnant.

-Jo