Krista's school called while I was on the way to work and said they thought she had Fifths Disease (4 other kids in her class have had it recently). I had heard of the disease before, but wasn't sure what it was. Basically it's just a virus starts out with cold-like symptoms and then presents a rash that stays for up to 5 weeks long. The rash starts with red cheeks and then spreads throughout the rest of the body in a splotchy (honey-combed) pattern. The virus itself doesn't show that it is Fifths until the rash shows up and by then, it is no longer contagious. So, I called the pediatrician and asked if I should bring her in and they said yes. I also remember that Seth's cheeks were bright red yesterday, so I asked if I should bring him in too and they said yes. I felt like an idiot for sending Krista to school, but when she came home with a runny nose and sore throat, I thought it was allergies to the pollen that everyone is suffering from. So, I gave her Claritin for 2 days until I noticed the rash last night. I thought the rash was an allergic reaction to the Claritin. Doh! Anyways, I took them to the doctor and sure enough, it's Fifths (and no strep--we checked that too)! So, here are some pictures of Krista's rash today. Much, much lighter than last night and you can see where it spread down her arms.
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