Slapped Cheek

[petes_dragon]

Hi,

I know someone was talking about this the other day, so sorry if its repeating stuff!

I think my son has slapped cheek but no-one I ask has ever heard of it!....he has had a cold for about a week now and has been generally under the weather and has had a high temp - yesterday a rash appeared on one cheek - bright red & slightly raised!....he also had a bit f a rash on his lower back/bum a few days ago (I noticed it in the bath) but it went away overnight.

I've spoken to NHS direct and they said possibly a viral rash - I'm going to take him to the GP tomorrow but I know they'll just say lots of fluids & Calpol for the temp!

He only started nursery 2 weeks ago, so I don't want to keep him off for too long if I can help it as he is just starting to settle in..

I've got 3 questions really....

Do you think it is Slapped Cheek or a virus?

How contagious is it - or does it stop being contagious once the rash appears?....(he's been with my sister this week & she is 6mths pregnant!!)

Should I keep him off nursery etc?

Any advice appreciated
A xXx

[dancecaller]

Sounds like some sort of infection. My daughter used to get a rash whenever she had a temperature ( not just the usual spotty things).
I don't think it's a good idea to send him to nursery if he's unwell. He won't enjoy it if he's not at his best so you are more likely to have problems settling him. And it's not fair to the other children and any Mums who are in early pregnancy (6 months on is probably safer than a few weeks as the baby will be well developed).

[noxlumos]

Pete's Dragon, PLEASE read respeonse in body and soul. VERY IMPORTANT.

[abigail23]

Hi my nephew had slapped cheeck syndrome a few weeks ago its nothing to worry about you child will have a cold for a while and big rosy red cheeks (hence the name ) it will go in a week or so .

[ganesh]

Hi. I remember my son having slapped cheek and I'd never heard of it before the Doctor told me. There are loads of little viruses that kids get and not all have names.He was a bit rashy, pink-cheeked, bit of a temerature-if I remember right. I think it is very catching but I don't think it can harm pregnancy- but maybe you ought to check that its not german measles, or just ring the Doctor to be sure.
Yes, I'd keep him off nursery for a few days,the other Mums wont like you otherwise!

[ganesh]

By the way, by the time the virus shows its usually almost past its contagious stage,so he's probably passed it on already.