Roseola

Roseola, often called ‘sixth disease’, is a common viral infection in young children, typically affecting those between 4 months and 2 years old. It's caused by a virus called herpes virus 6, which is different from the herpes viruses associated with cold sores or genital herpes. The virus spreads easily from person to person, often through saliva or air droplets.

The condition usually starts with a sudden high fever that can reach up to 104°F. This fever usually lasts for 3 to 5 days and might be accompanied by a runny nose, sore throat, or swollen glands in the neck.

After the fever subsides, a rash often appears, starting with small pink spots on the chest, back, and belly, spreading to the neck and arms. The rash doesn’t itch or cause discomfort and typically fades within a few days.

To help your child feel more comfortable, focus on managing their fever with medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Offer them plenty of fluids, let them rest, and use cool cloths or lukewarm sponge baths to help bring down the fever.

Steer clear of aspirin due to the risk of Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious illness. Monitor their symptoms for any signs of unusual sleepiness, irritability, persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or a sore throat associated with the rash.

In most cases, roseola is mild and resolves on its own within a week. However, in rare instances, a child’s fever can spike rapidly, potentially causing a febrile seizure. Although this can be scary, it’s usually brief and not harmful. If your child has a seizure, seek emergency medical care.

If the fever continues for more than 5 days or you have any concerns about your child's condition, please reach out to us. We’re here to provide support and ensure your child receives the care they need.

Roseola isn’t contagious once the fever has been gone for 24 hours, so you don’t need to keep your child isolated after that point, even if they still have the rash. Encourage good handwashing habits to help prevent spreading the virus, especially if anyone in your family has a weakened immune system.