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Common Conditions We Treat at Vitality Urgent Care

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Fifth Disease

Fifth disease is a mild viral illness that causes bright red cheeks and a lacy rash on the body. Fifth disease symptoms are usually mild in children. It is caused by parvovirus B19 and clears on its own.

What Is It

Fifth disease spreads through coughs and sneezes, mostly in late winter and spring. Children are most contagious before the rash appears, when they only seem to have a cold. Once the rash shows up, they are usually no longer contagious. Pregnant women and people with blood disorders should be checked after exposure.

Symptoms

  • Cold symptoms, like a runny nose, low fever, and headache, first
  • Bright red cheeks that look slapped
  • A lacy, pink rash on the arms, legs, and body
  • Rash that comes and goes with heat or sun
  • Joint pain or swelling, mostly in adults
  • Mild itching

Not sure it’s fifth disease? A rough, sandpaper rash with sore throat may be scarlet fever. Welts that move around within hours are more likely hives.

Treatment

At your visit: Fifth disease is diagnosed by the rash pattern and does not need antibiotics. Pregnant women and people with blood disorders should be checked after exposure. A blood test may be needed.

At home:

  • Rest and drink plenty of fluids
  • Use fever and pain medicine as directed on the label
  • Keep the skin cool to calm the rash
  • Children can return to school once the rash appears

Most children recover within 1 to 3 weeks. Joint pain in adults can last a few weeks.

When to Get Care for Fifth Disease

Most fifth disease cases can be cared for at home. If you are not sure what it is, or it is not getting better, Vitality Urgent Care is here to answer your questions and advise the right treatment. No appointment is needed.

FAQ

What does fifth disease look like?

Fifth disease looks like bright red cheeks, as if slapped, followed by a lacy, pink rash on the arms, legs, and body.

Is fifth disease contagious?

Fifth disease is contagious before the rash appears, when it looks like a cold. Once the rash shows up, children are usually no longer contagious.

How long does fifth disease last?

The fifth disease rash usually lasts 1 to 3 weeks and can come and go with heat, sun, or exercise.

Is fifth disease dangerous during pregnancy?

Fifth disease can rarely cause problems during pregnancy. Pregnant women exposed to it should be checked with a blood test.

Can urgent care diagnose fifth disease?

Yes, urgent care can diagnose fifth disease. At Vitality Urgent Care, a provider can confirm the rash and advise pregnant women after exposure. No appointment or referral is needed.

Can adults get fifth disease?

Yes, adults can get fifth disease. Adults are more likely to have joint pain and swelling than the classic rash.

Last reviewed October 2026

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