Ask Dr Miriam

Q My six-and-a-halfyear-old grandson is recovering from “slapped cheek”. I felt rather silly that I didn’t know what it was. Can you tell me please? A Slapped cheek syndrome (also called fifth disease) is a viral infection that’s most common in children, although it can affect people of any age. It causes a bright red rash on the cheeks.

Although the rash can look alarming, slapped cheek syndrome is normally a mild infection that clears up by itself in one to three weeks. And once you’ve had the infection you’re usually immune to it for life. However, slapped cheek syndrome can be more serious in some people. If you’re pregnant, have a blood disorder or a weakened immune system and have been exposed to the virus, you should speak to your GP. A fever, if present, is usually mild. There may be a runny nose, sore throat, headache and an upset tummy. Some adults may have joint pain and a light pink body rash.