what is the 5th generation disease? I heard children can get it??


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I think you mean fifth disease (erythema infectiosum, or slapped cheek disease). It is a contagious viral illness more common in children than adults. It has a distinctive rash. It is like a flu and spreads by coughing and sneezing. Treatment involves rest, fluids, and pain relievers. It is a virus so has to run its course.

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Do you maybe mean Fifth Disease?
Fifth disease is a temporary illness caused by a virus known as parvovirus B 19. Fifth disease (also known as "erythema infectiosum" and "slap cheek") is so named because in the pre-vaccination era, it was frequently the "fifth disease" that a child would develop. About 50% of adults have been infected with the virus but do not remember having it because it often does not cause symptoms.

Fifth disease generally occurs in children between 5-15 years of age, but can affect any age group, including adults. It most commonly occurs during the winter and spring. The illness begins with a low-grade fever and malaise (a sense of not feeling well). This is followed by a characteristic bright red rash on the cheeks (the so called "slapped cheeks" rash). Finally, a fine, red, lace-like rash can develop over the rest of the body. This rash may last for 5 days to a week and occasionally comes and goes for up to 3 weeks. The other symptoms are usually gone by the time the rash appears.

While the illness is not serious in children, 80% (4 out of 5) of adults with fifth disease can have joint aches and pains. This arthritis is usually temporary, lasting days to weeks, but may become a long-term problem for months. People with arthritis from fifth disease usually have stiffness in the morning, with redness and swelling of the same joints on both sides of the body (a "symmetrical" arthritis). The joints most commonly involved are the knees, fingers, and wrists.
I work at a preschool, and some of the kids just had "Fifths Disease." (I don't know if that's the same thing.) They pretty much have it for two weeks, and during that time they're contagious. There are no symptoms during that time. However, after they are no longer contagious, a red rash spreads across their body (the kids in my class had it on their face, etc.).

It basically does nothing to the child. However, it is dangerous for pregnant women, especially those in their first trimester. It can cause birth defects, etc. We have several pregnant teachers at my school, and they have all had to go and get checked out as a result of being exposed.


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