How to Prevent Fifth Disease

Fifth disease, also known as Erythema Infectiosum, commonly infects children between the ages of 5 and 14. Often referred to as "slapped cheek syndrome," fifth disease typically causes a mild red rash. The red slapped appearance normally covers the cheeks of the face and spreads to the limbs and body. Not everyone exhibits the rash. Named over 100 years ago, it was the fifth type of childhood illness that caused rashes.

Instructions

• 1

  Recognize the "slapped cheek" appearance of fifth disease. Other symptoms include general flu-like symptoms including runny nose, sore throat, headache, itching, pain, fever, itching, joint pain and swelling. The slapped cheeks appearance normally occurs several days after the flu-like symptoms.

• 2

  Learn how fifth disease spreads. Transmitted by saliva, sputum, or nasal mucus from coughing, sneezing and infected blood, those afflicted with fifth disease are normally contagious until symptoms appear.

• 3

  Prevent fifth disease by frequently washing your hands. This is the most effective way to prevent the virus.

• 4

  Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing. Fifth disease normally spreads from person-to-person through direct contact or airborne droplets.

• 5

  Discard dirty tissues after use to prevent the spread of the virus. Do not share utensils or drinking cups.