Treatment

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Treatment for Fifth Disease is primarily symptomatic and supportive,[1] as the infection is frequently self-limiting. While there is currently no specific therapy recommendation for Fifth Disease, symptom management can be attempted with over-the-counter medications. Antipyretics, such as acetaminophen are commonly used to reduce fevers. In the cases with joint disease; such as those with arthritis or arthralgia, treatment options can include medications that reduce inflammation like non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAID); or other anti-inflammatories can be used.[2] The rash usually does not itch, but can be mildly painful. The rash itself is not considered contagious.[3] The infection generally lasts about 5 to 10 days. Stress, hot temperatures, exercise, and exposure to sunlight can contribute to recurrence within months of the initial infection. Upon resolution, immunity is considered life-long.[4] Populations at greater risk of complications (see below) may need referral to a specialist. Anemia is a more severe complication that could result from parvovirus B19 infection and requires a blood transfusion as part of therapy.[5]

Prevention

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High-Risk & Special Population Prevention

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  1. ^ Leung, Alexander K. C.; Lam, Joseph M.; Barankin, Benjamin; Leong, Kin Fon; Hon, Kam Lun (2023-04-28). "Erythema Infectiosum: A Narrative Review". Current Pediatric Reviews. doi:10.2174/1573396320666230428104619. ISSN 1875-6336. PMID 37132144.
  2. ^ Macri A, Crane JS (2021). "Parvoviruses". StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing. PMID 29489222. Retrieved 2021-07-30.
  3. ^ Ralston SL, Lieberthal AS, Meissner HC, Alverson BK, Baley JE, Gadomski AM, Johnson DW, Light MJ, Maraqa NF, Mendonca EA, Phelan KJ, Zorc JJ, Stanko-Lopp D, Brown MA, Nathanson I, Rosenblum E, Sayles S, Hernandez-Cancio S (November 2014). "Clinical practice guideline: the diagnosis, management, and prevention of bronchiolitis". Pediatrics. 134 (5): e1474–e1502. doi:10.1007/978-3-030-21267-4_9. PMC 7123921. PMID 25349312.
  4. ^ Ramdass P, Mullick S, Farber HF (December 2015). "Viral Skin Diseases". Primary Care. 42 (4): 517–567. doi:10.1016/j.pop.2015.08.006. PMID 26612372.
  5. ^ Manaresi E, Gallinella G (July 2019). "Advances in the Development of Antiviral Strategies against Parvovirus B19". Viruses. 11 (7): 659. doi:10.3390/v11070659. PMC 6669595. PMID 31323869.