What is Fifth Disease and how can you avoid it?

Editor's Note: This column appears in the Nevada Appeal Wednesday health pages. It addresses topics related to the health of our community.

The trees are blooming and spring is slowly taking winter's place in our community. However, even though the worst part of cold and flu season may be coming to a close, that doesn't mean you or your family can't still get sick. There are many other contagious illnesses to keep you on your toes year-round.

Fifth Disease is caused by a virus, specifically parvovirus B19. This is not the same as the parvovirus that affects dogs and puppies.

The symptoms of Fifth Disease usually affect children, and include mild to moderate cold-like symptoms, such as fever and general malaise. The tell-tale sign of Fifth Disease is a rash that appears after a few days. The rash may look lacy on the body and limbs, while it may have a "slapped-cheek" appearance on the face. The rash may itch or be uncomfortable, but it will generally go away after about a week. Swelling in the joints is also common, but usually resolves without any long-lasting disability.

Fifth Disease is likely to be spread through contact with infected saliva and mucus from another person, and is highly contagious. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, up to 50 percent of members of the household of an infected person will be infected. Symptoms of the virus usually begin to appear four to 14 days after infection, but may take as long as 20 days before onset of illness. Like other viral diseases, such as chickenpox, once a person has the disease, they are unlikely to get it again.

Although Fifth Disease is seen mainly in children, adults are also susceptible to the virus. Fifth Disease is especially dangerous to pregnant women who have not previously had the disease. It puts the developing baby at risk and can cause miscarriage. If you or your child comes down with this highly contagious illness, please stay home to avoid passing it to others. Remember, regular hand washing and covering your cough are great ways to stop the spread of germs.

For more information about Health Department services, check out our website at www.gethealthycarsoncity.org or visit us on Facebook at Carson City Health and Human Services.

CLINICS

WHERE: Carson City Health and Human Services, 900 East Long St., Carson City

CALL: 775-887-2195

GENERAL CLINICS: 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Wednesday and Friday by appointment

WELL CHILD VISITS: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays

MEN'S CLINIC: 4-6 p.m. Mondays. Call for an appointment.

IMMUNIZATION DAY: 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.; 1-4:30 p.m. Thursdays. No appointment needed.

Vaccination is the best defense against the flu. CCHHS offers flu injections for $10.

•Cortney Bloomer and Valerie Cauhape, Carson City Health and Human Services.