From the Guidelines
Fifth disease symptoms typically include fever, headache, chills, myalgia, conjunctival suffusion, and less frequently, meningitis, rash, jaundice, or renal insufficiency, with symptoms possibly being biphasic. The symptoms of fifth disease can vary, but generally, they include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Chills
- Myalgia
- Conjunctival suffusion And less common symptoms such as:
- Meningitis
- Rash
- Jaundice
- Renal insufficiency, as noted in the study by 1. It's essential to consider that the symptoms may be biphasic, meaning they can occur in two phases, as indicated in the case definitions for infectious conditions under public health surveillance by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1. In clinical practice, it's crucial to prioritize the most recent and highest-quality evidence when diagnosing and managing fifth disease, focusing on relieving symptoms and preventing complications, especially in high-risk groups such as pregnant women, people with certain blood disorders, or those with weakened immune systems.
From the Research
Symptoms of 5th Disease
- The symptoms of 5th disease, also known as erythema infectiosum, include a "slapped cheek" appearance, often followed by a reticulated exanthem on the trunk and extremities 2.
- The disease is caused by B19 parvovirus and is characterized by a fairly prominent classic rash and generalized symptoms 2.
- Although the symptoms can be distinctive, the prognosis is excellent, as the condition is usually self-limited in children 2.
Clinical Description
- Erythema infectiosum can be identified clinically by its characteristic rash and symptoms 2.
- The disease is found to cause a range of symptoms, including a "slapped cheek" appearance, reticulated exanthem, and generalized symptoms 2.
Epidemiology
- Erythema infectiosum is a common benign pediatric condition, and its occurrence is more common than previously recognized 3.
- The disease occurs yearly, except in 1985, without a clear pattern of disease spread 3.
Note: The other studies 4, 5 are not relevant to the symptoms of 5th disease.