Slapped cheek syndrome

Slapped cheek syndrome (also called fifth disease or parvovirus B19) is a viral infection. It's most common in children, but it can affect people of any age. It usually causes a bright red rash on the cheeks.

Most of the time slapped cheek syndrome is a mild infection and clears up by itself in 1 to 3 weeks. Once you've had it, you're usually immune for life.

For some people, though, the infection can be more serious. If you're pregnant, have a blood disorder or have a weakened immune system, and you've been exposed to the virus, you should get medical advice.

Symptoms of slapped cheek syndrome usually show up 4 to 14 days after you become infected. Sometimes they take longer to appear, up to 21 days.

Some people with slapped cheek syndrome don't notice any early symptoms. Most people do, though, and they usually have these for a few days:

• a slightly high temperature (fever) of around 38°C (100.4°F)
• a runny nose
• a sore throat
• a headache
• an upset stomach
• feeling generally unwell

The infection is most contagious during this first period.

Adults may also have joint pain and stiffness. This can carry on for several weeks or even months after the other symptoms have gone.

A few days into slapped cheek syndrome, a bright red rash usually shows up on both cheeks, which is how the condition got its name. Adults may not get this rash at all.

By the time the cheek rash appears, you're no longer contagious.

After another few days, a light pink rash may also come up on the chest, stomach, arms and thighs. It often looks raised and lace-like, and it may be itchy.

These rashes normally fade within a week or two. Sometimes the body rash comes and goes for a few weeks after the infection has passed. Exercise, heat, anxiety or stress can bring it back.

If you think you or your child has slapped cheek syndrome, you usually don't need to see a doctor, because it normally gets better on its own.

Talk to your doctor if you've been near anyone with slapped cheek syndrome, or if you have symptoms of the infection yourself, and any of these apply to you:

• you're pregnant (there's 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
• you have symptoms of severe anaemia, such as very pale skin, shortness of breath, extreme tiredness or fainting. In this case, ask for an urgent appointment

If your doctor's chamber is closed, call a doctor or the 16263 health line.

In these cases, the doctor may arrange a blood test to see if you're immune to the infection. If you're not immune, you'll be monitored carefully to check for any problems.

If you develop severe anaemia, you're likely to be sent to hospital for a blood transfusion.

Slapped cheek syndrome is usually mild, and it should clear up without any specific treatment. If you or your child feels unwell, there are some things you can do to help ease the symptoms.

• rest
• drink plenty of fluids, and babies should carry on with their normal feeds
• take paracetamol or ibuprofen for a high temperature, headaches or joint pain (children under 16 shouldn't take aspirin)
• use an emollient (a moisturising lotion) on itchy skin
• speak to a pharmacist about itchy skin, as they can recommend the best antihistamine for children

Once the slapped cheek syndrome rash has appeared, you don't have to stay away from work or school unless you or your child is feeling unwell. The infection is no longer contagious by this point.

Let your child's school know if your child has slapped cheek syndrome.

Slapped cheek syndrome is caused by a virus called parvovirus B19. The virus is found in the droplets in the coughs and sneezes of someone who has the infection.

It spreads in much the same way as colds and flu. You can become infected by:

• inhaling droplets that are sneezed or coughed out by someone with the infection
• touching a contaminated surface or object and then touching your mouth or nose

A person 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.

It's very difficult to prevent slapped cheek syndrome. People who have the infection are most contagious before they develop any obvious symptoms, so you often can't tell who is passing it on.

Make sure everyone you live with washes their hands often. This helps stop the infection from spreading.

There's currently no vaccine that protects you against slapped cheek syndrome.