Read our editorial policy. Once rash appears, a child is no longer contagious. You do not have to stay off work or school after the rash appears. Notes on Slapped Cheek Disease (Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment), https://patient.info/childrens-health/slapped-cheek-disease-leaflet, Parvovirus B19: guidance, data and analysis, Parvovirus Infection (Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment), In children with some types of hereditary anaemia such as, In people with a weakened immune system. British Association of Dermatologists' guidelines But it can affect people of any age. If you catch slapped cheek, you'll be infectious for 5 or 6 days before the first symptom appears. A child may have a low grade fever before the rash appears. A doctor can often diagnose fifth disease by looking at the rash. To see content specific to your location, of Health (2005). It's hard to avoid spreading slapped cheek syndrome. Erythema infectiosum is generally a mild disease. Outbreaks occur during winter and spring, with epidemics occurring every 34 years. Slapped Cheek Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment - Netmeds Parvovirus B19 infection | Health topics A to Z | CKS | NICE Youre more likely to have serious complications from fifth disease if you have a weakened immune system. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Acetaminophen to help lower fever and relieve muscle aches and pains.. Your child may have a high temperature, sore throat or headache to begin with. Page last reviewed: 18 February 2021 The cheek rash usually fades within 2 weeks. The virus spreads to other people, surfaces or objects by coughing or sneezing near them. Immunosuppressed people with chronic anaemia due to infection may excrete virus for years. Slapped cheek is not life threatening and complications are rare. This can be followed by the deep red rash on the face and a red lace-like rash on the body and limbs, which may be itchy. By the time the rash develops, it is usually no longer infectious. You could need a blood transfusion, which would require a hospital stay. It usually causes a bright red rash on the cheeks. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Exclusion for five days (1,2): from rash onset - chickenpox*, measles from starting antibiotics - whooping cough (pertussis) from onset of swollen glands - mumps German measles (rubella) (3) six days from onset of rash Scarlet fever (3) child can return 24 hours after commencing appropriate antibiotic treatment View our Twitter - (This will open in a new window). Parvovirus B19 Associated Hepatitis. This will show if you have slapped cheek disease and can also show if you have had this disease in the past. a school or workplace. Exclusion is not necessary if treatment has occurred Exclusion of contactsa Up to 50 per cent of susceptible household contacts and 1060 per cent of childcare or school contacts may be infected during outbreaks.