Maybe we have been living in a hole but I haven't heard of Fifths Disease until recently. Its a "common" childhood illness. Its called Fifths because it came down the line, like third, fourth, fifth. Measels, mumps...there were four and this is the Fifth (I know, what a creative name!). Its not a big deal as illnesses go, as far as I can tell. Its like a really bad cold. Runny nose, headache, swollen glands, "slapped cheek" look, low grade fever, sore throat and rash. But some people's symptoms may be so minute one doesn't even know they have Fifths.
Well, we do! I am pretty sure all my kids either have it or have had it of late. It typically lasts 1-3 weeks in children, much longer (Like months to years in adults). No wonder I feel like we have been wiping noses like crazy all month! Its as if these symptoms are describing my kids!!!
Hattie has been very pitiful this week. I thought it was Strep again. But the doctor said its Fifths and Bronchitis. Her symptoms come in waves. She'll be fine, running around, laughing and then like a balloon deflating, she'll just slump over, cry and complain about different pains. She told me today, "This disease is biting my heart." Hmmmmm. Interesting description.
I think we are on the tail end of it!
October - Homecoming and Life
1 week ago
5 comments:
Oh no! I see a lot of Fifths in my kids at school - the bad thing about it is that once you notice the symptoms, they have been contagious for a while. I hope you guys all get better soon!
Oh yes.. We've had that before!! NOT FUN!! That and the Hand-Foot-Mouth disease (which sound way too much like hoof-and-mouth like what cows have!) are 2 of the funniest sounding "common" childhood diseases I've heard of !
Useless trivia for you: Fifth disease (erythema infectiosum) was named "fifth disease" because it was the fifth of six diseases of childhood discovered by scientists (more than a century ago!). they are all "exanthems" - meaning they cause a rash. The first four are: rubella, measles, scarlet fever, and Dukes disease (mild form of scarlet fever) - #6 is roseola infantum. Rubella and measles are all but wiped out because of vaccination programs, and scarlet fever (strep with a rash) is no longer as serious a health threat due to antibiotics to treat the strep. #s 5 and 6 aren't real serious - just rash/fever and no specific treatment.
Not that you wanted to know all that - just thought I would put some of my knowledge to good use :)
Hope your kiddos feel better!!!
Anne Dahmen
Oh man, sorry Emily!
That's a cute way of putting it Hattie!
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