How to Prevent the Roseola Virus

The roseola virus is a strain of the herpes virus that can precipitate a fever in infants and young children which is then followed by a rash. Roseola normally will not affect an adult but is extremely common in children between the ages of six months and three years old. According to the Mayo Clinic, there is no vaccine for roseola, so preventing it means knowing its symtpoms and keeping children and adults that have not yet had it away from those that do.

Instructions

• 1

  Recognize the symptoms of roseola. These include a rapid onset fever that can be as high as 103 degrees Fahrenheit that comes with a sore throat or runny nose in some cases. This fever can last for as long as a week. When the fever finally breaks a rash will develop in some instances. This rash will be made up of tiny pink dots or patches and usually presents itself on the back, chest, and abdomen. It can spread to the arms and the legs and sometimes to the face. The rash however doesn't itch but can last many days before it fades away. Look for irritability in infants and swollen eyelids as well.

• 2

  Realize that your child can come down with roseola when exposed to the saliva or secretions of an infected person. Teach your child to avoid other children who are coughing and not to share items such as drinking cups, glasses, or eating utensils. Roseola becomes contagious while the person that contracts it has a fever; it can be spread long before the rash appears; if it shows up at all.

• 3

  Keep your child or infant out of places where other children are known to have roseola. Don't bring your child to daycare for example once a case of roseola has been confirmed until you know for sure that the affected children will not be there or are no longer contagious.

• 4

  Wash your hands thoroughly when a family member develops roseola to prevent its spread to family members who may not have had the virus. Most people who've had a bout of roseola build up antibodies in the system and develop an immunity to future contact with the virus. Adults who come down with the virus normally do not exhibit severe symtpoms but are able to pass the disease on to children so good hygiene is key to preventing the further spread of roseola. Do not share towels in the home for example.