Contagiousness Exposed children will come down with the rash in 10 to 14 days. The disease is contagious during the week before the rash begins. Therefore, exposed children should try to avoid contact with pregnant women, but that can be difficult. Once a child has the bright red or lacy rash, he is no longer considered contagious and does not need to stay home from day care or school. Adults with Fifth disease Most adults who get Fifth disease develop just a mild pinkness of the cheeks or no rash at all.
Adults develop joint pains, especially in the knees, more often than a rash.
These pains may last 1 to 3 months. Taking ibuprofen usually relieves these symptoms. An arthritis workup is not necessary for joint pains that occur after exposure to Fifth disease. You have other concerns or questions. Published by McKessonHBOC Clinical Reference Systems.