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Asked by janastep73

Q: Has anyone been exposed to Fifth Disease (aka slapped cheek disease)?

About 2 weeks ago, my son started having a runny/stuffy nose. He has a lot of food/environmental allergies so I chalked it up to an allergic reaction to something or a cold. About 3 days later, he broke out in a splotchy rash on his face that spread to his arms and legs about 24 hours later.

I googled it and found fifth disease, which they say can be fatal for the baby if the mother is exposed during pregnancy. As I was already going to the doctor that morning anyway, I asked them to do a blood test.

It came back negative for the virus but also showed that I am not immune to it. It has been 11 days since my son first started having symptoms...the nurse said it can take 2-3 weeks to transmit, so I'm looking at another 3-10 days before I'm in the clear.

I'm 25 weeks along with no problems with this pregnancy before. Has anyone had any experience with this, whether having this virus while pregnant or being exposed to it and not getting it?

This question was asked Dec. 18, 2012 9:34pm
Category: Pregnancy Complications

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