I need some advice: fifths disease...

mlp0620

So I am almost 32 weeks pregnant. I am supposed to be babysitting my niece and nephew tomorrow and then just my nephew on monday. My brother in law just called to tell me that my nephew has fifths disease. He was diagnosed on thursday and has been on meds since then.  He also already had the rash. I know that if they had the rash already then they shouldnt be contagious, but my concern is if my nephew has it then does my niece have it too (she's 5 he's 2) and she just hasnt gotten the rash yet? I guess my question is if it were you would you still watch the kids.

 I Should also add that my husband and brother in law own a auto repair shop, so if they don't work we don't make money. My BIL has no problems staying home with his kids, but the boys are backed up from work from last week when BIL was sick (Im now thinking is it possible for BIL to have it 1st even though it is mostly a kids sickness, he said he had a rash on his chest). 

So what would you do? Watch the kids so the boys can get work done or say no and they will just have to figure something else out to get caught up on work? TIA!!! 

speckledfrog

It's definitely possible that your niece could have it if she hasn't had it before.  I wouldn't watch them if you don't know if you've had it.  Sorry. 

Wipz

If your  BIL was sick with it last week, would that mean your husband was possibly already exposed to it too.. and therefore you too?

mlp0620

Wipz:

If your  BIL was sick with it last week, would that mean your husband was possibly already exposed to it too.. and therefore you too?

 

Thats what I was thinking too. I work as a receptionist at the shop, So I share the same phone and everything with my BIL. I'm super excited he waiting til today to tell me (just a tad sarcastic!!) I hate doing the whole google search thing, So i was hoping for some insight from people who maybe have dealt with fifths before.  I used to work at a daycare before I became preg and was exposed to fifths maybe twice but never got it.  Maybe that will work in my favor!

Wipz

Maybe you could call your Dr and ask if they have any concerns if you have possibly been exposed to it, or if they have any advice on what to watch out for/avoid ?  It's not something I am familiar with  but they might be able to shed some light on it and put your mind at ease.

I work in a large corp open plan office where people show up for work sick all the time..one of the joys of the economy and people being afraid to stay home I guess. Hopefully all these prenatal vitamins and a good immune system will work in our favor and keep the coties at bay. 

sassafras007

I would not risk it.

momawof4

Fiths disease is really contagous, I had it when I was younger and before we knew it, It spread to my sibilings and cousins. I wouldnt risk it considering one of the symptoms is a really high fever.

AshleyBrian

I thought it was only dangerous for pregnant women in the 1st trimester?  That said, I would probably not do it anyway just in case. 

noryang

I am almost positive that this is caused by a virus and there are no meds that can help "cure" it - only meds that can help with the symptoms.

 Stay away. I am not sure it would be dangerous to baby but even if it isn't we are uncomfortable enough without adding any illness that could make you even more miserable.

NY-allie

AshleyBrian:

I thought it was only dangerous for pregnant women in the 1st trimester?  That said, I would probably not do it anyway just in case. 

Yes 5th disease is only dangerous for women in your 1st trimester.  In fact you have probably had it before when you were little and now have almost no risk of getting it.  Even if you do it is not harmful to your LO.  Check WebMD for more information - this is per my pedi because DS had it and I was worried since one of my close friends was pg at the time and had been visiting.