• Home
  • News
    • Politics & Government
    • Business & Economy
    • Crime / Courts
    • Health / Medicine
  • Sports
    • High School Sports
    • Radio Iowa Poll
  • Affiliates
    • Affiliate Support Page
  • Contact Us
    • Reporters

Radio Iowa

Iowa's Radio News Network

You are here: Home / News / "Fifth Disease" common now among kids

"Fifth Disease" common now among kids

February 27, 2004 By admin

Although cold and flu season is almost over, doctors say another similar illness hits many Iowans at this time of year, usually kids. It’s called Fifth Disease — as in the number five. Iowa state epidemiologist Dr. Patty Quinlisk says it’s -not- considered a big risk. She says it’s very common, to the extent almost every Iowa adult will have had it. Symptoms include a slight fever, sore throat and runny nose. There can also be bright red cheeks and a rash on the palms, arms, legs and torso. Quinlisk says it’s often so mild, kids won’t even feel like they need to stay home from school or daycare. She explains the origin of the rather unusual name. People knew about measles and rubella and other rash-causing diseases — this was simply the fifth one that was distinctive from the others. Quinlisk says the symptoms usually fade within a few days or as long as two weeks. While it’s not usually a major risk factor for adults, she says pregnant women who haven’t had the disease before can be more seriously impacted by it. It can also be more severe for people with chronic blood diseases and anyone on chemotherapy

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Filed Under: News

Featured Stories

Reynolds signs her ‘school choice’ bill into law

Governor Reynolds touts 2024 Iowa Caucuses in Inaugural Address

University of Iowa grad presiding over U.S. House Speaker vote

Iowan who was oldest person in the U.S. dies

Iowa Lottery to start making some payments via debit cards

TwitterFacebook
Tweets by RadioIowa

Iowa State names new receivers coach

No. 2 Iowa visits No. 1 Penn State in wrestling dual Friday night

Iowa’s Clark brings increased exposure to women’s basketball

No. 18 Iowa State women visit TCU

Northern Iowa men host Valparaiso

More Sports

Archives

Copyright © 2023 ยท Learfield News & Ag, LLC