Fifths Disease?

Lucky Polka Dot

I teach third grade at an elementary school. A student at my school was diagnosed with Fifths Disease and a student in my classroom is suspected to have it as well.

I called my doctors office to inform them about what I found out and they wanted me to come in immediately for blood work.

I've heard that most adults are immune. But of course, I'm still worried.

Does anyone have any experience with Fifths Disease?

lildevil968

DD had it about 3 months ago. Go to the Dr and let them run the blood test to see if you have already had it. If you have had it then there is nothing to worry about.

It takes about 2 weeks for the rash to go away.

NFL_Wife

Do they not test you for it in one of the early blood draws? My midwife did, and found out I am not immune. Since DS goes to daycare, she told me I need to be extremely careful and watch to make sure he isn't exposed. I guess it can be pretty dangerous for babies in utero.

I wouldn't worry though, as you said, I think most adults are immune.

mikeismine

DD had it about 2 years ago and the dr. suggested they she stayed away from anyone pregnant. That's all I remember, sorry!

suedell

My Ob did a lot of blood tests early on and found out I was immune.  You probably are too but they are just double checking.  If you aren't you probably should not go to work.  good luck

gypsywitch

I had it as a young kid( we're talking kindergarten)...I only remember having a rash and a fever...and it went away in a few days. I know its a viral infection, so there isn't anything you can do about it if you do have it, but I also hear it usually causes mild to no symptoms in adults...here is what the CDC website said:

I've recently been exposed to a child with fifth disease. How will this affect my pregnancy?

Usually, there is no serious complication for a pregnant woman or her baby because of exposure to a person with fifth disease. About 50% of women are already immune to parvovirus B19, and these women and their babies are protected from infection and illness. Even if a woman is susceptible and gets infected with parvovirus B19, she usually experiences only a mild illness. Likewise, her unborn baby usually does not have any problems attributable to parvovirus B19 infection.

Sometimes, however, parvovirus B19 infection will cause the unborn baby to have severe anemia and the woman may have a miscarriage. This occurs in less than 5% of all pregnant women who are infected with parvovirus B19 and occurs more commonly during the first half of pregnancy. There is no evidence that parvovirus B19 infection causes birth defects or mental retardation.

Lucky Polka Dot

thank you ladies

Bricole514

I am a teacher too and had exposure to it very early on in my pregnancy. It was actually my nephew who had it so without knowing I was hugging, kissing, etc.  I went in for the bloodwork and ended up being immune. Like you said, most adults are immune especially teachers. We see so many germs  

nikll34

I have a friend that developed this and her unborn fetus died... not to scare you. I don't know all the exact details. I'm pretty sure this is a rare occurrence, but it's better to get check out immediately.

KLA_07

Fifths Disease is in the Chicken Pox/Measles/Mumps family, so if you've had your MMR recently, you're probably safe.  Also, if you had a bad case of chicken pox as a child (as most people do), you're probably safe. 

GL!