One illness is like getting slapped in the face. That's because fifth disease, as it's known, is marked by a face rash resembling a slap's effect.
Though it's common among youngsters, don't worry if your child comes down with the illness, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). That's because the condition, caused by the parovirus B19, almost always is mild and will resolve itself.
Adults can catch fifth disease, too. And while it usually goes away without long-term problems, it can cause joint pain and swelling, the CDC says. Treatment most often involves alleviating the symptoms until the rash fades away. Frequent handwashing is the best way to keep from getting the illness.
