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How do you prevent slapped cheek syndrome?

Samantha Wild
Clinical Lead for Women's Health and Bupa GP
10 October 2024
Next review due October 2027

Slapped cheek syndrome, also known as fifth disease, is an infection. It’s caused by a virus called parvovirus B19. It’s more common in winter and spring, and mostly affects children. But adults can catch it too. Symptoms include a rash, headache, and a mild fever. Here, I look at how to prevent slapped cheek syndrome, and how to treat it at home.

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What are the symptoms of slapped cheek syndrome?

If you have slapped cheek syndrome you might have:

  • a headache
  • a low-grade fever (above 37.5℃ but below 38℃)
  • a runny nose
  • a rash on one or both cheeks, chest, and your arms (this is more common in children)
  • tummy pain

Your joints might ache too — although adults are more likely to experience this than children. For most people, the symptoms of slapped cheek syndrome usually aren’t serious. But you might be more at risk of complications if you:

  • are pregnant
  • have a weakened immune system
  • have a blood disorder

Contact your GP if you think you might have slapped cheek syndrome, or if you’ve been in contact with someone who has.

Is slapped cheek syndrome contagious?

Slapped cheek syndrome is infectious up to 10 days before the rash develops, and on the day it appears. You might not know you have the virus before getting a rash, so this can make it difficult not to pass onto others.

It’s spread from one person to another by coughs and sneezes. So it’s important to catch these in a tissue when you can, and to wash your hands well with soap and water. And, if you think you might have slapped cheek syndrome, avoid contact with pregnant people or anyone with a weakened immune system.

How can I make fifth disease rash go away?

There’s no treatment that can make the rash go away. But if it’s uncomfortable or dry, an emollient (moisturiser) might help.

How long does slapped cheek syndrome last?

If you have fifth disease, you’ll usually start to feel better within a few weeks. While you recover, to help ease your symptoms you can:

  • take over-the-counter painkillers (remember to always read the patient information leaflet that comes with the medicine)
  • rest
  • drink plenty of fluids

What’s the difference between slapped cheek syndrome and scarlet fever?

Scarlet fever is also a contagious illness that mostly affects children. But it’s caused by a bacteria known as group A streptococcus rather than a virus.

Slapped cheek syndrome and scarlet fever can both cause a rash. But, in slapped cheek syndrome the rash usually appears on the cheeks first (in children) and then spreads to other areas of the body.

If you have scarlet fever, the rash appears on your chest and tummy first, and then spreads to other areas. If you’re worried you or your child may have slapped cheek syndrome or scarlet fever, contact your GP for advice.

How can I prevent slapped cheek syndrome?

Currently, there’s no vaccine available to prevent fifth disease. The best way to help prevent catching the virus is to wash your hands often.

If you catch slapped cheek syndrome, you should start to feel better within a few weeks. Until then, you can manage your symptoms at home by resting, taking over-the-counter painkillers, and drinking plenty of fluids. Contact your GP or a Pharmacist for more information and advice.


Here at Bupa we understand how important your family is. So with our family health insurance you can rest assured knowing that eligible treatment and support is available to you and your loved ones when you need it.

Samantha Wild
Dr Samantha Wild
Clinical Lead for Women's Health and Bupa GP

 

Co-author

Lucy Kapoutsos, Health Content Editor at Bupa UK

    • Viral exanthems. PCDS. Pcds.org.uk. Last updated 14 December 2021
    • Parvovirus B19 infection. NICE. cks.nice.org.uk. Last revised February 2022
    • Feverish children - risk assessment and management. NICE. cks.nice.org.uk. Last revised June 2023
    • Slapped cheek. St John Ambulance. Sja.org.uk. Last reviewed 7 March 2024
    • Personal communication, Dr Samantha Wild, Clinical Lead for Women’s Health and Bupa GP, 1 October 2024
    • Scarlet fever: symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. UK Health Security Agency. Gov.uk. Last updated 29 March 2019
    • Parvovirus B19: guidance, data and analysis. UK health security agency. GOV.UK. Last updated 2 August 2024

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