These days, when the lifestyle has completely changed with the coronavirus pandemic, actually shows us what kind of results we can encounter if the viruses that cause viral diseases should be recognized and the relevant precautions are not taken. The disease caused by HHV-6 and HHV-7 viruses from the herpes virus family, known as the “sixth disease” in the society, is one of the most common problems in children during the winter months. From Memorial Bahçelievler Hospital, Department of Child Health and Diseases, Uz. Dr. Tuğrul Atay gave information about what parents should know about the sixth disease.
Described as “rose disease” of young children
“Roseola infantum”, known as the sixth disease in the society, is a disease caused by HHV-6 and HHV-7 viruses, which come from the herpes family, which is mostly known to cause herpes in the lips and genital area. Sixth disease is a disease that mostly affects children between the ages of 6 months and 2 years, progressing with a high fever for a few days and continuing with a rose-colored rash on the body after the fever subsides. The Latin name was given as roseola infantum, meaning rose disease of young children, in reference to the characteristics of these rashes.
It manifests itself with a high fever
In most children, sixth disease (roseola infantum) follows a mild upper respiratory tract infection followed by high fever, which is the most important symptom of sixth disease. Sixth disease is the most common viral infection that causes febrile convulsions in childhood. The fever may continue for 4 to 7 days, during which time the child may experience weakness, loss of appetite and swelling in the neck lymph nodes. In the continuation of the disease, fever suddenly drops and a pink-red rash, which is the second distinguishing symptom of the disease, often does not appear on the skin, and the rashes fade with pressure. Lighter halos form around some rashes, which then spread to the neck, face, arms, and legs. The fever lasts for 3 to 7 days, the fever suddenly drops and the rash begins. The rashes fade and pass for periods ranging from a few hours to a few days.
can be contagious
The sixth disease is contagious, but the coronavirus does not cause major epidemics like measles. It can also be spread by talking, sneezing or coughing through droplets from an infected child, and by using the same water glass, fork or spoon. However, if infected droplets are placed on the surfaces and the mouth and nose are touched without washing hands, the sixth disease spreads in this way. It is contagious even when the child has only a fever before the rash appears. Although it usually only infects children, it can rarely infect adults. This is usually due to the fact that the adult had the virus in childhood and gained immunity. By following the general hygiene rules, most importantly, we can protect ourselves from the sixth disease by washing our hands frequently and paying attention to social distance.
The most important stage of treatment is a good home care process.
A detailed anamnesis (medical history) and a careful physical examination, a good communication between the physician, the patient, and the patient’s relatives make the diagnosis without the need for an additional examination. The characteristic features of fever and rashes and the information provided by the family are the most important elements in the diagnosis of this disease. In cases in between, blood tests and virus-specific serological tests can be performed. As with most viral diseases, there is no specific treatment for the sixth disease. Medications containing paracetamol and ibuprofen can be used to reduce fever. In addition, in order to control the fire, it is necessary to take a warm shower, keep the temperature of the environment between 22 – 24 ° and cool with cloths moistened with warm water. In children with reduced nutrition, serum can be given intravenously, but to prevent dehydration, increasing the child’s fluid intake should be encouraged before this stage. In addition, if there are additional complications, follow-up should be done by a pediatrician.
Viral infections are like teachers of children’s immune system…
As in all diseases, eating a balanced diet, avoiding packaged foods containing artificial or preservatives, feeding our children with vegetable-based pot dishes, washing hands and paying attention to social distance are the measures that can be taken for the disease. Finally, it is important to remember that such childhood viral infections will always be a part of our lives, viral infections are like a teacher of our child’s immune system. The important thing is to know these life partners, to know when they can be dangerous and when you should seek help from your doctor.
Source: (BHA) – Beyaz News Agency
