Slapped Cheek Disease

Slapped cheek syndrome (fifth disease) is common in children and should clear up on its own within 3 weeks. It's rarer in adults, but can be more serious.

Symptoms may include:

-a high temperature of 38C or more

-a runny nose and sore throat

-a headache

How long it lasts:

• The cheek rash normally fades within 2 weeks.
• The body rash also fades within 2 weeks, but sometimes comes and goes for up to a month, especially if you're exercising, hot, anxious or stressed.
• Adults might also have joint pain and stiffness. This can continue for many weeks, even after the other symptoms have gone.

How slapped cheek syndrome is spread?

• It's hard to avoid spreading slapped cheek syndrome because most people do not know they have it until they get the rash.
• You can only spread it to other people before the rash appears.
• Slapped cheek syndrome is caused by a virus (parvovirus B19). The virus spreads to other people, surfaces or objects by coughing or sneezing near them.

To reduce the risk of spreading the virus:

• Wash your hands often with warm water and soap
• Use tissues to trap germs when you cough or sneeze
• Bin used tissues as quickly as possible