Fifth disease is a common viral infection that usually affects children but can also cause problems in adults. Much like viruses that affect the respiratory system, fifth disease can lead to a dry cough as a side effect of the infection. Fifth disease often only causes mild symptoms and will go away on its own.
Fifth Disease Symptoms
The early symptoms of fifth disease, according to the Mayo Clinic, are similar to that of a cold. These include nausea, a mild fever, sore throat and nasal congestion or a runny nose. Although a dry cough is not part of these characteristic symptoms, the congestion and runny nose can result in nasal drip, which can lead to the development of a dry cough.
Later Symptoms
As fifth disease progresses, it causes some characteristic symptoms. Children with this infection will develop a bright red rash on both cheeks, the Mayo Clinic explains. This is often known as "slapped cheek" syndrome because the rash is similar to the flushing caused by a slap. This rash may eventually spread to other parts of the body and can last for up to three weeks. Adults with this infection often do not develop this rash but instead develop pain in their joints which can last for several days or weeks.
Cause and Transmission
Fifth disease, according to Kids Health, a website of the Nemours Foundation, is caused by a subtype of the parvovirus called B19. This virus is very common and is most contagious in children before they have developed the characteristic rash. Parvovirus B19 spreads via respiratory droplets that are expelled when an infected patient coughs or sneezes. These droplets can then be inhaled, thereby passing the disease along to others.
Complications
Fifth disease is, in general, a fairly mild illness. It can, however, cause serious complications in some individuals, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains. Patients with sickle cell anemia can develop severe complications from this disease, as can people with weakened immune systems. Pregnant mothers should also be wary of this disease because of its potential to harm their babies.
Treatment
The treatment for fifth disease usually focuses on symptom relief because the disease is so mild. Children can take acetaminophen for the fever and aches that the disease can cause. Adults with joint pain may need to rest their sore joints. There are no vaccines for fifth disease, but once a person has been infected she will have lifelong immunity to the virus.
