Symptoms Of Fifth Disease

When To Contact A Doctor

Knowing when to contact a doctor is vital for getting a child or adult the proper diagnosis and starting treatment promptly. If a child has certain diseases, such as sickle cell anemia, other types of chronic anemia, or an impaired immune system and has been exposed to fifth disease and is beginning to exhibit its symptoms, the parent should take their child to a doctor immediately. If an adult begins to display common symptoms of fifth disease and are not sure if they are immune to parvovirus B19 (the virus that causes fifth disease) or comes into contact with another patient with this infection, they should also visit their doctor, as well as women who are pregnant and have been exposed to fifth disease. Also, if the patient has a painful rash that becomes purple and blistered that lasts longer than five weeks, they should also contact a doctor as soon as possible.