The rash first appears on the cheeks, making the person look like he or she has been slapped. The facial rash feels hot and sometimes it itches. After a few days, the rash can spread to the upper body and arms in a lacy pattern. Another symptom is mild fatigue. Many people have no symptoms other than the rash.
Fifth disease can last from a few days to several weeks.
Symptoms usually appear two to three weeks after the patient has been exposed. School age children get Fifth disease most often. Adults can also catch it, but they may not have the rash at all. It is thought that once you have had Fifth disease you are immune and can not get it again. Fifth disease is spread by tiny droplets of water from the nose and throat of someone who has the infection.