Understanding Fifth Disease - Treatment

How Do I Know If I Have Fifth Disease?

In most cases, the disease is diagnosed based on the appearance of typical symptoms.  A blood test can confirm whether you have fifth disease, but this usually is not necessary.

If a pregnant woman has been exposed to fifth disease, she may be given a blood test to determine whether she had fifth disease in the past and is, therefore, immune.  If she contracts fifth disease, either amniocentesis or a test called percutaneous umbilical blood sampling (PUBS) can be used to test for the virus in the fetus and to determine the severity of fetal anemia, if it exists.  Ultrasound can be used to monitor for complications in the fetus, such as abnormal pooling of fluid around the heart, lungs or abdomen.

What Are the Treatments?

Generally, no treatment is necessary for otherwise healthy children and adults who get fifth disease.  If the rash itches, an antihistamine can be used.  For those with joint pain, especially in adults, anti-inflammatory pain relievers such as ibuprofen can be helpful.

Anyone who has sickle cell anemia, chronic anemia, or an impaired immune system can receive immunoglobulin by injection to fight off the virus. Some of these patients may also need transfusions of red blood cells.