Slapped cheek syndrome
Slapped cheek syndrome
Slapped cheek syndrome, which is also called fifth disease or parvovirus B19, is a viral infection. It is most common in children, but people of any age can get it. It usually causes a bright red rash on the cheeks.
Slapped cheek syndrome is normally a mild infection that clears up on its own within 1 to 3 weeks. Once you have had the infection, you are usually immune to it for life.
However, slapped cheek syndrome can be more serious for some people. If you are pregnant, have a blood disorder or have a weakened immune system, and you have been exposed to the virus, you should get medical advice.
Common Symptoms
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
When to See a Doctor
You do not usually need to see a doctor if you think you or your child has slapped cheek syndrome, because it normally gets better on its own.
Do speak to a doctor if you have been near someone with slapped cheek syndrome, or you have symptoms of the infection, and any of the following applies to you:
- you are pregnant, since there is a very small risk of miscarriage or other complications
- you have a blood disorder, such as sickle cell anaemia or thalassaemia
- you have a weakened immune system
- ask for an urgent appointment if you have symptoms of severe anaemia, such as very pale skin, shortness of breath, extreme tiredness or fainting
If your doctor's clinic is closed, go to the nearest hospital or emergency service.
In these cases, a blood test may be done to find out if you are already immune to the infection. If you are not immune, you will be monitored carefully so any problems can be picked up early.
If you develop severe anaemia, you will most likely be sent to hospital for a blood transfusion.
What to do if you or your child has slapped cheek syndrome
Slapped cheek syndrome is usually mild and should clear up without any specific treatment.
If you or your child is feeling unwell, there are a few things you can do to ease the symptoms.
Do
- rest
- drink plenty of fluids; babies should continue their normal feeds
- take paracetamol or ibuprofen for a high temperature, headaches or joint pain; children under 16 should not take aspirin
- use an emollient (moisturising lotion) on itchy skin
- speak to a pharmacist about itchy skin, as they can recommend the best antihistamine for children
Unless you or your child is feeling unwell, there is no need to stay away from work or school once the rash has developed. By this point the infection is no longer contagious.
Let your child's school know if your child has slapped cheek syndrome.
How do you get slapped cheek syndrome?
Slapped cheek syndrome is caused by a virus called parvovirus B19. It is found in the droplets from the coughs and sneezes of someone who has the infection.
The virus spreads in much the same way as colds and flu. You can become infected by:
- breathing in droplets that someone with the infection has sneezed or coughed out
- touching a contaminated surface or object and then touching your mouth or nose
Someone with slapped cheek syndrome is infectious during the period before the rash develops. Once the rash appears, the condition can no longer be passed on.
Prevention
Slapped cheek syndrome is very hard to prevent. The reason is that people with the infection are most contagious before they show any obvious symptoms, so by the time anyone realises they are unwell, they may already have passed it on.
The most useful thing you can do is make sure everyone in your household washes their hands often. This helps stop the infection from spreading.
At the moment, there is no vaccine that can protect you against this condition.