Monday, March 24, 2008

I think it's roseola

Roseola (also known as sixth disease, exanthem subitum, and roseola infantum) is a viral illness in young children, most commonly affecting those between the ages of 6 months and 2 years. It is typically marked by several days of high fever, followed by a distinctive rash just as the fever breaks.

I really think this is what Faith has. This is exactly what happened with her, fever started Thursday afternoon and ended by this morning which is when i first noticed the rash. The rash has spread today and doesn't not appear itchy or bothersome (which is what it says on the website also). Good thing is it says it's not contagious, only confusion is if it's the rash itself that isn't contagious or the disease as a whole, i am assuming the whole thing :-) So i keep thinking why did i bother to take her to the doctor? I ended up figuring it out on my own, i think i'll call them tomorrow and let them know i solved the mystery.

Edited to add that on another site i found that it is contagious, but before they have symptoms, great...but adults don't get it so hopefully Dad will be fine, last time we visited him was Tuesday (with Faith). Here's the info I found on the contagiousness just in case anyone is curious.
Contagiousness
Roseola is contagious and spreads through tiny drops of fluid from the nose and throat of infected people. These drops are expelled when the infected person talks, laughs, sneezes, or coughs. Then if other people breathe the drops in or touch them and then touch their own noses or mouths, they can become infected as well.

The viruses that cause roseola do not appear to be spread by kids while they are exhibiting symptoms of the illness. Instead, someone who has not yet developed symptoms often spreads the infection.

1 comment:

Sherry said...

I am glad she is finally getting better! Roseola is a fun one, but at least it isn't too itchy!