Roseola

Roseola

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Definition and cause

Roseola is a disease that always displays fever.  It is very common among children between 6 - 36 months and is more common in the late fall and early spring.  It is caused by the Human herpes virus 6.

Transmission of roseola from one child to another is probably by way of respiratory secretions.  From the time of exposure until the first symptoms appear is about 9 days.  The disease lasts an average of 9-10 days.

How roseola is spread

The child is irritable. Appetite is poor. Fever of 102  F to 105  F develops suddenly, lasts for 3-7 days, and may be accompanied by seizures. As soon as the fever is gone, faint pink spots that blanch upon pressure develop on the body, neck, upper arms, and sometimes the face and legs.

Symptoms

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Complications

Seizures may develop due to the sudden appearance of high fever.  Otherwise, complications are very rare.

Give extra fluids such as water and juices to your child in order to prevent dehydration resulting from the high fever. Medications for fever should be used with caution.  ASPIRIN SHOULD NEVER BE GIVEN BECAUSE IT CAN CAUSE REYE SYNDROME.  Reye Syndrome is a serious disorder of the brain and liver.  Acetaminophen (Anacin, Liquiprin, Panadol, Tempra, Tylenol) or Ibuprofen should be given instead.

Treatment

Over-the-counter and commonly used medicines containing Aspirin

Alka -Seltzer Alka-Seltzer Plus CM Anacin Tablets Anacin Maximum Strength Arthritis Pain Formula Arthritis Strength Bufferin Ascriptin Aspergum Bayer Aspirin Bayer Children's Cold Tablet Bufferin Cama Inlay-Tabs Congesprin Chewable Tablets Corcidin  D Tabs Corcidin Medilet Tabs Corcidin Tablets or Syrup for Children Dristan Decongestant Tablets

Ecotrin Tablets Emperin Excedrin Tablets Fiornal Goody's Headache Powders Midol Norwich Aspirin Pepto Bismol Quietworld Analgesic Sine-Off Tablets St. Joseph Aspirin St. Joseph Cold Tablets Stanbach Analgesic Powder Triaminicin Tablets Vanquish Viro-Med Tablets

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