There are a few conditions in children which may be brushed off as mild inflammation but turn out to be something serious. Slapped Cheek Syndrome is one of them which appears as flushed cheeks and rashes but is a viral infection in children which is also called fifth disease or parvovirus B19.
The cheeks may look red but this skin disease clears up by itself in a few weeks. Here is what you need to know about it.
Symptoms
Once the child is infected, it may take a while for the body to show symptoms and usually go unnoticed in the early stages. Here is what it may start with:
- Stomach problems
- Runny nose
- Headache and sore throat
- Mild fever
A combination of these symptoms can be an indicator and the symptoms may take up to 21 days to start showing. Since it is a viral infection, it can be passed on and the riskiest phase is the initial days.
How do you get slapped cheek syndrome?
Slapped cheek syndrome is caused by a virus called parvovirus B19. This is found in the droplets in the coughs and sneezes of someone with the infection.
The virus is spread in a similar way like flu. You can become infected by:
- inhaling droplets that are sneezed or coughed out by someone with the infection
- touching a contaminated surface or object and then touching your mouth or nose
Treatment
Usually, the condition heals itself but it is advisable to consult the doctor. But meanwhile take rest and sufficient fluid.
