Symptom Checker

Fifth Disease

Fifth disease is a viral illness that often starts with mild cold-like symptoms and later causes a bright red rash on the cheeks. A lacy rash may then appear on the arms, legs or body.

Parvovirus B19 causes fifth disease. The virus spreads through respiratory secretions and is most contagious before the typical rash appears.

Call a nurse All symptoms

AAP Guide to Fifth Disease

The AAP guide below explains the usual course of fifth disease, who needs extra caution, and when to call us.

AAP Symptom CheckerFifth disease

If the Symptom Checker does not appear here

It is the American Academy of Pediatrics’ own tool and it loads from their site, so a lost connection or a content blocker leaves this space empty. Open it on HealthyChildren.org with the button below, or call your office and a nurse will answer.

Open on HealthyChildren.org

When to see a doctor

Contact your pediatrician or another healthcare professional if:

Your child has a blood disorder or weakened immune system.
Your child appears very ill or develops symptoms that are more severe than expected.
A pregnant person had close contact with your child during the illness.
You are unsure whether the rash is fifth disease.

Call 911 or get emergency care if:

Your child has severe weakness, trouble breathing, collapse or another life-threatening symptom.

Talk to a nurse now, at any hour

Hours, addresses and directions

When can my child be seen

Be seen today.

Every office keeps same-day appointments for illness and injury.

This evening or at the weekend.

Most offices run After Hours Care, by appointment rather than walk-in.

If you are worried, call. We would rather answer a question that turns out to be nothing.

Fifth Disease

AAP Guide to Fifth Disease

When to see a doctor

Talk to a nurse now, at any hour

When can my child be seen

More on skin and rashes