Fifth Disease

[hannybanany]

Hello ladies!

Two weeks ago my DD started coughing, two days later she developed a fever that ranged from 101-103 and lasted three days. Five days after the fever was gone she got bright red cheeks, the next day she had a mild rash on her back and yesterday it had spread to her arms and legs. A visit to the Dr confirmed my suspicion of Fifth.

Annnnyway. Now I have cough, congestion and sore throat, no fever. I had the bloodwork done yesterday to determine my immunity status. With the holiday it'll be Monday til I can get the results.

I've read conflicting information about adults and 5th, some say the symptoms may be mild, some say they will be more severe. Has anybody had this as an adult? What was it like for you?

My DD started coughing just before I was 20 weeks, anybody else been exposed before 20 weeks? What was your experience?

One more thing. Two weeks before my DD got sick I had a high fever (103), chills and severe abdominal pain for 24 hours. It was not followed by any rash or joint pain and I had no cold symptoms like my DD did and I do now. Could that have been 5th?

I guess there's one MORE thing... If I did have 5th four weeks ago would the blood test results from yesterday show an old exposure or recent exposure?

Thanks for reading!

[HawaiianBlesing]

Found this on the net:

If a pregnant woman is exposed to this illness for the first time in her life, and she comes down with the symptoms of the illness, then there is a very small risk of a miscarriage. This risk is much greater during the first half of pregnancy. However, the good news is that the vast majority of adults have acquired` this infection at some point during their lives, and are therefore immune to it. A pregnant woman who is exposed to this illness can speak with her OB about testing for it.

Good luck!

[hannybanany]

Thank you for responding.

I wanted to share this information with anybody who might be searching for it in the future.

This is probably the most informative article I found: fifthdisease

Once infected, an individual will produce IgM antibodies specific to B19V, 7-10

days after infection. These antibodies usually remain detectable for 2-3 months

after infection. Approximately 10-12 days after infection, IgG antibodies specific

for B19V are produced. These antibodies remain in the body for years and are

thought to confer immunity.

By the age of 15 approximately

50% of children appear to have been infected.