Fifth's Disease

MamaWeber

I found out yesterday that my toddler-aged cousin was diagnosed with Fifth's Disease (also known as Slap Cheek Syndrome). I was playing with him this past Saturday (before his mom knew about it). His doctor told him that he couldnt have been contagious this past Saturday, but he was days/weeks before that. I was also around him on Thanksgiving, which is when he would have been contagious. It's a benign disease for most children and adults, unless you're pregnant. His doctor suggested I call my OB immediately. I called and now Im waiting on a return call from the triage nurse. I'm kind of freaking out., because I dont know if Ive had it or been exposed to it in the past, which would be a good thing. I read that I can have blood tests done to see if I currently have it and got it from him. If so, apparently it could cause complications.

 Has anyone had experience with this or know anyone that has??

littlepoppyseed

When I was pregnant with my first one, the classroom next door to mine had it running rampant during my first trimester - even their teacher had symptoms!  My doctor tested my blood, and it showed that I had already had exposure earlier in life (probably during childhood), so it was of no concern to me.  He said that most adults already have built up an immunity to it.  Your doctor should be able to check on it for you!  Hope that helps!

JenJar

I just had bloodwork last week because of the same exposure.  We were at a playdate, and the little boy was diagnosed with Fifths Disease.  My bloodwork showed that I was immune. They'll probably do bloodwork to check your levels.  If it doesn't show that you're immune and that it's not in your system, they'll probably do bloodwork again in 2 weeks to check once again.  If indeed it shows that it is in your system from your cousin, they'll monitor you more closely; there isn't a shot or anything they can give you. They will monitor you though because it can lead to anemia in your fetus or possible miscarriage.  Good luck!  Try not to stress too much....the stats are pretty low that you'll get it.