Conference moira::parenting

    Antibiotics don't kill viruses, so Augmentin wouldn't help if she's
    got Fifth Disease, or Coxsackie Virus.  Did she get bitten by a
    tick during a walk outside or something?  Might she be allergic
    to the augmentin?  I'd go back to the doctor.

    .1 What does kill viruses?  I don't see any sign of a tick bite.
    Besides, would that cause a fever?  This is her third time on
    Augementin never bothered her before.  Again, would this cause a
    fever?
    
    

    	Right now we do not have the technology to kill viruses, only
    bacterias, that is why AIDS can only be treated and not eliminated in
    your body. (viruses are infinitely smaller than bacterias and they have
    protective coats that do not allow medicines to pass through, they also
    use body cells to replicate and can essentially hide in places in the
    body).Colds are another good example of viruses, no matter what
    you take, it still needs to run its course, the cold virus does not
    respond to medication (but the rest of your body does which is why you
    get relief from cold medicines). There is *some* work with products
    like interferon and such to break down viruses but that work in all
    still in the laboratories. I would venture a guess that within the next
    decade (a pretty safe bet I know) we will be able to kill at least some
    viruses in our bodies.

    	In mentioning the tick bite, I *believe* the noter was making an
    indirect reference to Lyme disease, an illness that is transmitted by
    tick bites. From your description of the facial rash with the swollen
    eyes, this does not sound like a consideration but you may want to ask
    your Doctor about it, we are certainly in the tick season.

    	People can develop allergies. I had had morphine for many years
    after surgery and then all of a sudden I became allergic to it and had
    a very very bad reaction that required an extended hospital visit. I've
    also had the same thing happen to me with codeine, took it for years
    and then ended up in the emergency room with my throat closing up to
    swelling.

    	Even if your child has been on the medication before (even many
    times before) you should ALWAYS be on the look out for a sensitivity or
    allergic reaction.

    	And finally, yes, allergic reactions can cause fevers. When your
    body is fighting something that it thinks should not belong a
    tremendous internal war is begun that requires great amounts of
    energy from the body. It is not unusual at all to see elevated
    temperatures with allergies.

    			Wendy

    I took my daughter to the doctor night before last.  She had had the
    stomache bug for 3 days, her eyes looked puffy and I had suspicions 
    of an ear infection.  No ear infection.  The doctor did ask though
    does her temp spike in the evenings....so this must have some meaning
    my answer was no...so I don't know what she was heading for....you 
    may want to ask your doctor what implications this has....I don't 
    have a clue...I am a new mother....this stomache virus, dehydration,
    crankiness was my first illness with child...

As a parent with lots of ear infection experience.....

Most of the antibiotics that are given for ear infections are very similar in
the way they act. However, people develop tolerances and reactions over time
to the same drug. This varies from person to person. Some people can have 
reactions very quickly and some never do. 

I'ld  guess that either you've got a very specific virus or an allergic 
reaction. When you return to the doctor's remind him/her that the child is
on medication. If the doctor insists it is a virus then ask for more information
about the virus.

    
    	My son just had the same thing, as did 3 other children at daycare.
    He was on Augmentin for an ear infection, sothey thought it was a
    reaction to the medication, althought he has been on augmentin in the
    past with no problems. A few days before the ear infection he was
    running a low grade fever and was all around cranky and miserable.
        Now they just said it was a virus that was going around and they
    had me give him benadryl (sp?) for the rash and that seemed to help. It
    has now been 3 days and the rash is finally subsiding and he is getting
    back to normal. He was taken off the augmenting and put on spetra ic.
    	Chalk it up to another bizzare summer virus.
    
    /k
    

    
    Regarding allergic reactions:
    
    	Two of the teachers in my daughter's school have their sons there.
    Both boys recently suffered severe serum reaction (allergic) to two
    very different types of antibiotics (each on a different one).  Neither
    child had ever had an allergic reaction before and they had been
    exposed to that particular antibiotic in the past with no reaction (one
    child was 3+ and the other 5+).  They reactions where so sever they
    warranted an emergency trip to the hospital.  Also, the reaction
    happened after they had been on the antibiotic for a couple of days.
    These kids couldn't walk.  All their joints were swollen they looked 
    awful - bright red rashy skin and couldn't fit into any clothes because
    of the swelling.  Very scary for all involved.
    
    	Moral:  Just because you or your child have been on a drug
    (antibiotic) in the past with no reaction, does NOT mean you can't 
    develope one.  (Ruins that warm fuzzy feeling you had, doesn't it?)

    RE: .0
    
    Another possiblity is a virus called Roseola. It begins with a
    fever that lasts 3-4 days, followed by a reddish, flat, slightly 
    raised rash. It usually appears on the chest and abdomen but my
    daughter's face was swollen when she contracted it.  
    
    Roseola is very common and basically harmless.  You do want to
    keep the fever under control and the child comfortable with tempid
    baths and maybe Tylenol.
    
    Besides Lyme disease from ticks, Rocky Spotted Fever produces a 
    rash, fever and muscle pain.  
    
    If she recently had strep throat, it could be Scarlet Fever. 
    
    Lyme, Rocky Spotted and Scarlet Fever can all be treated with
    antibiotics.
    
    Jodi-
     

    Only you know what is really going on so please take all of this with a
    grain of salt...
    
    My 13 month old went through an illness a few weeks ago which included
    cold symptoms, fever for a week (up and down), on 2 occasions, a rash 
    behind her ears, and rapid breathing.
    
    I have no idea what it was but she is better. 
    
    I thought, in her case, the rash was a reaction to some spices I had
    fed her rather than a symptom of the disease.
    
    It was frustrating to be dealing with the fever and having her not want
    her temp taken over soooo long a period.
    
    Good luck and trust your instinct. You know when something is wrong
    even if the doctors tell you "it is *just* a virus".

Wendy mentioned that we have no drugs to combat viruses ...  That's not
to say that we cannot kill viruses ... but when they are in our body any
effective anti-viral agent has a very nasty side effect of killing us!

Sodium hypochlorite (bleach) is a very effective anti-viral agent ... but
very poisonous to people!

Another effective anti-viral is temperature ... most viruses are
killed by heat or cold.  This is one of the methods the body uses to
fight off infections ... fevers.  Even the AIDS virus can be killed with
sufficient heat or cold ... but the hitch again is we cannot survive
when our body is heated or cooled sufficiently to kill many viruses.

Stuart

    If the rash reappears after a bath or when the child has been outside
    playing and getting sweaty, then it could be Fifth's.  This virus has
    made it's rounds in my family more than once.  The most recent event
    was when I had it.  I went to the doctor with a rash on the front of my
    legs and arms and a little on my face in the cheek area.  I initially
    told him what I thought it was and he said no that it was probably a
    reaction to some vitamins that I had told him I had just started
    taking.  He gave me a prescription for some type of steroid type drug,
    (i don't remember the name).  I had to take 6 pills the first day, 5
    the next, then 4, etc.  The first night I took the pills, I had a
    severe fever, and woke up in the middle of the night drenched.  Then
    had chills the rest of the night.  The next morning, I felt as if
    nothing had happened and went back to work.  That afternoon, the school
    called to come and pick up my daughter as she had a rash that was
    probably Fifth's virus.  I took her to her pediatrician and he
    confirmed that it was and said to just let it run its course.  She went
    through basically the same scenario that I had the previous night.  Her
    fever only got as high as 102.  The doctor had told me to use benedryl
    for any itching.  He had also told me that the virus is highly
    contagious, but only through touching someone who has it.  Needless to
    say my son and my husband also came down with the same virus the
    following week.  Check with your doctor and also the old version of
    parenting.  I found a little information there.  The older pediatrians
    seem to know more about it as it seems to be a not too common childhood
    virus.  I have also found information at the library, although not to
    much.  Good luck to you and your family.  Just try to keep everyone
    else from catching it until you know for sure what it is.
    
    regards,
    
    lynne c.
    

    Mods, feel free to move this if a note currently exists for this
    topic...
    
    My 1 yr old daughter has been running a high fever (102+) 
    since late yesterday afternoon. I gave her Tempra but the fever
    still won't drop.  Dr. office says there is a virus going around
    that shows high fever for 3-4 days and to let it run its course
    as long as no other symptoms of ear infection appeared.  This
    came on suddenly and she has not shown other symptoms of illnesses.
    She is cranky and woke several times during the nite, which is
    quite unusual for her.
    
    Does anyone know anything about this virus?  I just want to know
    if I should be concerned.  Dr will be seen tomorrow if fever continues
    
    Thanks -
    
    Kathy

    This is like the onset of Roseola ... a few days of quite high fevers,
    no other real symptoms except maybe a barely runny nose.  Then just
    as suddenly the fever will drop after the 3rd or 4th day and bright
    flat red rash will appear on the abdomen which will again pass in a
    few days.
    
    There is no treatment except for the symptoms ... Tempra / Tylenol
    to keep the fever under control ... and plenty of fluids to prevent
    dehydration, cool baths and so on.
    
    So, I'd suspect Roseola or similar ... and not worry too much.  BUT
    keep an eye open for changes, and if you see anything you aren't
    happy about, call your Doctor's office.
    
    Stuart
    
    

    My son Lee had high temps with no other distinct symptoms when he was
    about 1 year old.  His temperature (rectal) crept up and up as the days
    wore on, until finally one night it reached 105.2.  I was beside
    myself.  The ped's approach was to first see if the illness would run its
    course, after first checking him over thoroughly.  After 2 days, she
    ran a CBC and something else, I think.  That didn't really reveal
    anything, so a virus still seemed to be the culprit.  However, after 4
    days, she said the next step needed to be taken (rule out more serious
    illness such as hepatitus(?) and a few other things), since by then,
    most common viruses should've passed.  Finally after
    that 5th night when we hit 105.2 (with Tylenol!), it started to subside.
    His other tests were normal.  It had apparently been a virus that really
    knocked him for a loop.  
    
    It is VERY scarey having a child with high fevers.  I kept wondering 
    if he would have a convulsion or become brain-damaged.  But I was told 
    it would have to go higher than that and sustain that temperature.
    I was also told to keep up with the tepid baths when his temp hit 103,
    and to keep checking the temp every 20 minutes and plop him back in a
    tepid (not cool!) bath if it was still above 103.  Sometimes it took
    several dunkings, only to return him to the bath an hour later.  I was
    also instructed to call if the fever went over 105 rectal, but in
    retrospect, I think this was for MY benefit, as the instructions at
    that point remained the same.
    
    Good luck...
                                 

    
    Andrew just had what you are describing.  Last Sunday thru Wednesday 
    were the days.  He seemed tired, slight runny nose, fever.  It was
    102.6 on Wednesday so I kept him home.  He seemed fine except the
    fever.  Tylenol didn't cool him off that much but he seemed to become
    more "normal" after the tylenol.  On Thursday and Friday he had a faint
    flat red spotty rash on his trunk.  I suspected Roseola also.
    
    NF
    

    Ah yes, this is a reminder that summer is upon us!
    
    It became an annual event with AJ for his first 3 summers in mid July
    to spike a high fever up to and including 105.  He was miserable but no
    other symptoms not even ears.
    
    One year the doctor called it cotsacki (?SP) which I do believe is a
    contagious virus, another year she called it fifth disease, and another
    year it went unnamed.  Every year the treatment was pretty much the
    same:  Keep him comfortable with tylenol, suppositories seemed to work
    better and quicker, sponge baths or better yet let him play in the
    kiddie pool outside or in a cool bath tub just until he started to
    chill and shiver slightly, warm him up and repeat the process again.
    (I had a covering pedi who said he literally was up one whole night
    doing this for his baby)  Thirdly, cover them only lightly, dress them
    in a onsie or just t-shirt and diaper, and use only a light cover (like a
    receiving blanket or plain sheet)
    
    and have PATIENCE....this too shall pass!
    Lyn

    Both of my nephews (3.5 and 1.5) came down with this same virus.  Just
    a fever, very cranky, but no other symptoms.  Both fully recovered
    within 4-5 days.

    Thanks - will keep it under observation.  re:  roseola - already had
    that a few months ago, sorry, forgot to mention that.  Does roseola
    occur more than once?
    
    I'll get upset if it goes higher.  It's amazing what the human body
    (and spirit!) tolerates.  Meanwhile, Mom worries.  My poor MIL is
    looking after the baby now.
    
    Kathy 

    Please see note 105 for information about Roseola.
    

    Russell had something like this, with the addition of not being able to
    keep anything in his tummy.  It went away in a couple of days.  When I
    called the pedi, he did mention that there were serveral "flavors" of
    this virus going around.
    
    marianne

    Our kids, whenever they have a fever, often have a hard job keeping
    anything down.  If we bring the fever down, for example with an
    acetaminophen (Tylenol) suppository, they are usualy then able to
    keep liquids and so on down, which is important because dehydration
    can be a real probelm when running a fever.
    
    Stuart

    Need info on the coxsakie virus -- did dir/title= and came up blank.  i
    know somethings about it, my daughter's best friend was just diagnosed
    with it and both daughter and i were in sneezing range yesterday for
    the 15 minutes we were withthem -- murphy's law strikes again!!
    
    if it's in one of the previous versions, please tell me again how to
    access them.
    
     thanks.
    
    Sandy

    Well for starters, note 240.* "Cancer Sores", has a bit of a discussion
    on Coxsackie virus.  I remember a good size discussion that went on in
    the previous version of Parenting.
    
    There are actually several strains of the Cocksackie virus but the most
    common is the one that shows up on the hands, feet and mouth. Cancer
    sores show up in the mouth, a rash on the extremities. The trunk can
    also be affected. Or just the mouth...or just the palms of the hands...
    or...basically depends on the strain.
    
    Jodi-
    

    okay i found the info others have input about coxsakie -- thanks.  also
    checked in the medical notes file.
    
    now, does anyone have any idea of the incubation time once exposed?  or
    is this another of the 'most contagious 2 days before symptoms show'
    gems?  [ i just LOVE that phrase!!!  at least it takes care of some of
    the guilt others try to foist on you when your child comes down with
    chicken pox the day after playing with their child, who has not yet
    had them]
    
    /sandy

re .24:

>    Well for starters, note 240.* "Cancer Sores", has a bit of a discussion
>    on Coxsackie virus.

Your typo brings back fond memories of a classic Emily Litella schtick.

    Sandy (.25)
    
    In my son's case, the incubation period seemed to be pretty
    quick (yes, the classic two days) - he played with a child
    who had Coxsackie on Thursday and came down with a sore throat and
    headache Saturday night. Naturally we found out too late what the 
    playmate had had... and meanwhile our kid exposed the kid across
    the street, who got it two days after that.
    
    My son's case was mild (two days) but the kid across the street
    was sick for a most of a week. Apparently these things go raging
    around in the summer and there's not much to be done about it.
    
    Lucy
     

>>    Well for starters, note 240.* "Cancer Sores", has a bit of a discussion
>>    on Coxsackie virus.

>Your typo brings back fond memories of a classic Emily Litella schtick.

    I was replying from home and I hadn't cancelled my "call waiting".
    Nervous that I would get bonked off the modem in mid-reply, I didn't
    stop to check for typos. 
    
    That should have been "Canker Sores"...sorry.
    
    Jodi-
    

    Thanks, Lucy (.27).  I'll just cross my fingers and hope that this time
    we're lucky and continue our streak.  We've been with this little girl
    many times, and played all day, only to have her mother call later and
    give us the "good news" about her spiking a fever, etc.  (Of course, my
    little one comes down with strep throats at the drop of a hat -- same
    play situation, only this time it's ME calling). We haven't yet
    caught anything from each other [maybe i shouldn't say that too loud -- 
    after all, i have a houseful of company coming, and we go off on vacation 
    in 10 daze...]
    
    So we'll cross fingers, toes, eyes and hope for the best!  I've just
    told my two to wash their hands very carefully, even when they've just
    gotten out of the water, because of some viruses that are around.  If I
    tell them why Gabrielle is sick and how we know, my kids will revert to
    their hypochondriac personalities and I'll go really nutz!
    
    Sandy
    

    For us it became and annual summer "event", and for some unknown reason
    it always seemed to hit on one of those "worst" possible days.  One
    year it was the morning of a pool party/bar b Q where both of us
    belonged and sort of *had* to be there.  Another year my husband's aunt
    had died.  He was fine the night before, and had been left with a
    sitter who did respite care and had lots of kids, the next moring he
    was positively miserable and burning up, and of course he was fine the
    next day, but that meant I had to stay home from the funeral. and I
    think it was the same annual BarBQ the next year.  So far, knock on
    wood, it's August and nothing so far.  Maybe this year we'll escape!
    
    Lyn

    Curious about what appears to be a virus, and wondering if any of you
    have experienced it yet.  I was babysitting my sister's two children on
    Saturday night.  Her 3.5 year old was running, playing, eating fine.
    After their bath he complained of feeling sick.  He was extremely warm,
    and I took him temp.  It was 103!  Gave him some tylenol, put him to
    bed.  He woke up once, but was cooler, and was completely fine the next
    morning.  My son David (who was with me when his cousin got sick) did
    the identical thing yesterday.  Played at the park with his father all
    afternoon, came home and had supper, and suddenly developed a high
    fever. Today he is fine.  Is anyone else experiencing this?  Is there
    more to come, or is this all there is to this particular virus?
    Sarah

    
    We just went thorugh this with Spencer and as he had to get checked for
    an ear infection I asked the Doctor about it.
    
    	I would put Spencer down to sleep then go in and check on him and
    find that his hair would be soaking with sweat. He would also just be
    playing and break out in a sweat. I took his temp and it was around 101
    might have gotten higher but after that I just kept him on Tylenol and
    kept him in light clothing.
    
    	The Doctor said that yes, indeed there is a virus that the little
    ones are getting that brings on sporatic fevers. Basically she said it
    will pass and until then, keep the kids on Tylenol for the fever and
    for the crankiness that comes along with it. 
    
    	I have not noticed any fevers in Spencer since Tuesday.
    
    				Wendy
                                     

    All three of my kids had this virus (in Merrimack, NH).  Fever lasted
    for a day with two of them and for two days with the third.  The two
    oldest complained of a headache also.  Little one just clung to Mommy
    and slept alot.
    
    Linda

    We recently went through three days of an up and down fever/headache
    with Michael (age 5).  The only thing that would bring the fever
    down was a tempid bath followed by Tylenol.  It became a ritual that
    Michael welcomed every 8 hours or so.
    
    Jodi-

    Do any of the children develop a rash after the fever?  If so, it might
    be Roseola.  It is a virus that crops up mostly in little children
    where they run a high fever for a day or so and then break out in a
    rash right afterward.  Just a thought.  Hope they are feeling better
    and that it doesn't come my way!

    It is Roseola here in So. California.  With the unsualy humid and hot
    weather, something has been released into the air and has children
    reacting as if to hayfever.  My son had a fever, treated with Tylenol,
    for 3 days.  On the fourth day, a rash developed.  He looked awful, big
    patches on his face and a general rash all over.  My Dr. said that was
    a good sign and ment the virus was trying to find a way to escape.  As
    long as there is no high fever, vomiting, or diarea, he should be fine.  
    	He acted like his usual self so we went to a family day and the
    park on Sunday.  The rash disappeared in a few days.  
    
    Virginia

>    patches on his face and a general rash all over.  My Dr. said that was
>    a good sign and ment the virus was trying to find a way to escape.  As
>    long as there is no high fever, vomiting, or diarea, he should be fine.  


Pardon ????  What on earth was your Doctor talking about ????  Viruses don't
try to escape ... they try to reproduce!

A roseola fever is usually quite a high fever that you usually try to keep
in check with Tylenol.  The rash is purely the body's reaction to the
viral infection ... nothing to do with escaping viruses.

Stuart

    Excuse me,
    
    Maybe my doctor was trying to keep me from panicking.  My son hasen't
    even had the sniffles for 18 months.  He hardly ever gets sick and this
    just scared the hell out of me when it happened.  I realize how viruses
    work!  I was just giving my account of what had happened.  I thought
    that was one of the reasons for these notesfiles,  Maybe I'm wrong.
    
    Virginia

Sharing information is certainly one of the purposes of this conference; and 
that is all the more reason to make sure that what we share is information
rather than nonsense.  If someone presents spurious information, then it is
entirely appropriate to correct it.  If the spurious information came from a
doctor, then it is all the more important to correct it (since information
from "reliable sources" is often accepted uncritically).

	-Neil

    In that case, the responce to my "incorrect explaintion" could have
    been worded a little different.  More like "Are you sure that is what
    your doctor ment??"  Instead of blowing me and my doctor's palative
    excuse out of the water.
    
    	I have gained alot of information from this notesfile.  Alot of the
    situations hit close to home for me.  I would hate to think that
    someone who may not be the expert at something in here can't express
    themselves with out being critisized.  Saying what I wanted, I would
    like to drop this whole thing and get on with other things.
    
    
    Tyler is just fine now and thats the way I like it.

    
    
     I'd like some info on colic please.I had to call the doctor out to
    Rebecca who is 6 months.The doctor said she had mild colic but what is 
    colic?.
    
    
    SCott

    Colic seems to be a catch all thing.  It is usually associated with
    fussiness, gassiness, and general irratability.  My son had it for the
    first three months.  We tried many "home remedies", but to no permanent
    relief.  Just realize that no matter what you do - it won't be enough!
    and it won't be the right thing.  This is probably something you'll
    have to "ride out" with the baby.  Just try to make her as comfortable
    as possible and cuddle her when possible!  The good news is that it
    will go away (some say they "outgrow it") and when they are older they
    will never remember they had it (and luckily, you'll forget, too)!!
    
    -sandy
    

    More and more I hear Doctors referring to colicy babies as high needs
    babies. The "colic" sounds like a disease, I think high needs is more
    apropos.

    To me, High Needs sounds like 'demanding'....like there is
    really nothing wrong but the baby is 'just colicy'.

    I think that for colicy babies (ours in particular), there is
    SOMETHING really wrong.  There were in fact many 'little' things
    wrong....serious allergies and stomack problems.  I think that
    for most colicy babies, you shouldnt pass it of as just 'needy'.

    being a baby is inherently 'needy'.  Colic is something else
    all together.  she 'outgrew' it at about 9 months...and it was
    a real nightmare until then.  I think 'outgrew' here is the
    wrong word.
    bob

    Chelsea had what a consider textbook colic....turned on at 2 weeks and
    off at 3 months...like someone turned a switch!  She was definately in
    pain from bad gas attacks, something I wouldn't relate to a needy baby.
    Her pain was real and being so little I'm sure it just makes it all the
    worse.
    
    We rocked and walked....did tub baths and put her on top of the dryer
    (heat and motion)...nothing helped until we tried Mylicon (sp) infant
    drops, recommended by our pedi.  Instead of waiting until the attack
    happened, we started her on a regular dosage three times a day...this
    really seemed to help...for us the drops were a Godsend.
    
    ..Lori

    
    My sister-in-law just discovered that her 5 year old has been exposed
    to "Fifth Disease", which is apparently quite contagious.  They are 
    suppose to be going to her nephew's communion and to visit friends in 
    New York this weekend and is concerned over the effects of this on a 
    pregnant person.
    
    The symptoms on the child is mostly (from what she told me) a good
    rash, but she thought it was like a mumps type thing where a pregnant
    person shouldn't be exposed.
    
    Can someone clarify for me asap.  
    
    Thanks very much.    Karen  

    Fifth disease in very contagious and is a concern mainly within the
    first trimester.  In our case, fifth disease was suspected and we had
    two parents who were pregnant at the time.  The problem apparently is
    that it can cause spontaneous abortion.  Again, this is only during the
    first trimester.  See your doctor if you are concerned.
    
    dan

What is Fifth Disease?

    
    I too would like more info.. My daughter came down with horrible
    hives this past week and the Dr. called them giant hives but
    it seems everyone I run into is talking about this Fifth
    disease and how it is going around the school system...
    
    She also had her MMR (measles,Mumps,rubella)shot 2 weeks ago 
    and I am curious if anyone else child get a rash about 2 weeks
    later.. the doctor pushed it aside but with all the hype these
    days about immunizations I  wonder... thanks!
    
    

    I would also like more information on Fifth Disease.  As I have a 3
    year old that goes to a home daycare during the day and is exposed to
    kids ranging from age 10 mths - 8 yrs.  He came down with a rash and a
    fever last week and I took him to the pedi and the pedi told me that
    the rash was caused from the fever which was caused from the soar
    throat that he had.
    
    So if someone out in parenting land has more information on "Fifth
    Disease" could they please post it.
    
    Thanks.
    
    Liz (a concerned parent)

    Didn't see this mentioned, sorry if it is and I missed it.
    
    Is fifths like chicken pox where before any symptons appear, you are
    already contagious, or will you know that you are when the rash
    appears.
    
    Thanks again.....
    
    K
    

    My four-year-old had Fifth Disease earlier this year.  (It has some
    scientific name, but is called Fifth Disease apparently because it was
    the fifth of a "family" of diseases that was identified.)
    
    What I was told, as best I can remember:  
    
    Fifth disease has three stages.  In the first, the
    symptoms are like those of a cold and this is when you're contagious.
    In the second, there are no symptoms.  In the third, you get a "lacy"
    rash on the arms and legs.  It can't be diagnosed, and probably won't
    be noticed, until the third stage when you are no longer contagious.
    
    There is no proven association between Fifth Disease and problems
    related to pregnancy.  The reason caution is recommended is that 
    Fifth Disease is somewhat related to German measles.  
    
    Our daycare center director was (is) pregnant, so we told her and 
    she talked with her doctor.  I guess there is a test they can do to
    see if you have Fifth Disease, if you're pregnant.  He said, to be
    safe, she could stay away from the kids until two weeks without another
    case went by.  Which she did with no problem.
    
    Hope this helps.
    
    -Tracy
    
    My doctors (Fallon) gave me a h
    

    Thanks for the info, that's just what I was looking for !
    
    Karen

    The following was taken from the MERCK Manual 15th Edition:
    
    			Erythema Infectiosum
    			   (Fifth Disease)
    
     An accute viral disease characterized by mild constitutional symptoms
    and a blotchy or maculopapular rash beginning on the cheeks and
    spreading primarily to the exposed areas of the extremities.
    
    Etiology and Epidermiology
     The disease is caused by the recently discovered human parvovirus B19
    agent.  It occurs most often during spring months, and localized
    outbreaks among children and adolescents are common.  Parvovirus B19 is
    now also recognized as the primary cause of aplastic crisis in patients
    with chronic hemolytic disorders, such as sickle-cell disease.  Spread
    is thought to be usually by the respiratory route, and inapparent
    infection can occur.
    
    Symptoms and signs
     The incubation period is 4 to 12 days.  Signs and symptoms can vary
    among different individuals.  In "classical" cases, manifestations are
    low-grade fever, slight malaise, and an indurated, confluent erythema
    over the cheeks ("slapped face" appearence).  Within 1 to 2 days a
    symmetric eruption appears that is most prominent on the arms, legs and
    trunk, usually sparing the palms and soles.  The rash is maculopapular,
    tending toward confluence; it forms slightly raised blotchy areas and
    reticular or lacy patterns, usually most prominent on the exposed areas
    of the arms.  The duration of illness is usually 5 to 10 days, but hte
    eruption may recur for several weeks afterward, exacerbated by
    sunlight, exercise, heat, fever, or emotional stress.  Mild joint pain
    and swelling are sometimes observed in adults with this disease.
    
    Diagnosis and treatment
     The appearence and pattern of spread of the rash are the only
    diagnostic features; however, such a diagnosis must be made with
    caution, since rubella and some enteroviruses have been known to mimic
    this disease.  If there is any doubt, rubella infection should be ruled
    out by serologic testing.
    
     Only symptomatic treatment is necessary.
    

	I'm trying to find the note (I was positive I saw it here) on
	Lyme Disease.  I've gone through this string, done a directory
	of the conference, and tried using keywords.

	Pointers, anyone ?  Emily's got a very suspicious looking
	bite/rash on her leg...

	Off to the pedi at 11:00...

See Parenting V3, topic 1018.  See note 9.21 of this notesfile for directions 
to Parenting V3.

Clay

	Thanks, Clay.

	I'll go back and read it.  

	We've been to the pedi's office.  Thankfully, the bite is a bug
	bite (more likely a fly bite than a mosquito bite) that reacted
	with a welt.

	Our concern was that the area around the bite had grown to about
	the size of a half-dollar, was red around the edges, but was more
	pale (though still pinkish) on the inside.  The spot of the actual
	bite itself (the center of the welt) was purplish.  Not a pretty sight,
	and one case where I'd rather be safe than sorry.

	Karen

    Well with Chelsea getting close to the 14 month mark, I'm finally
    reaching a point where I don't run to the pedi over everything...I
    would like to (most of the time); but I'm trying to do a little self
    diagnosis on the minor things.  These usually turn out to be something
    tied into teething, food reaction,...needs a nap!
    
    So we got a new rash and I'm wondering if anybody has had some
    experience with this one.  It's mostly on her legs, on the front
    part running from her ankles to a little above her knee.  Just some
    white bumps (very tiny)...almost looks like the kind she gets on her
    shoulders from time to time, which I think is from clogged pores. 
    There were a couple of them which looked like they had a little puss
    head.  No redness or itching...doesn't seem to be bothering her. 
    Have not switched sunscreens.
    
    My husband thinks its from playing in the grass at daycare or possible
    sweating and rubbing against the Little Tykes play equipment..sounds 
    like a possibility.  
    
    If its a food reaction (which she has not had any new foods) wouldn't
    it be on more of her body, vs. just on the legs?
    
    Also, is prickly heat ever white bumps...from the description in the
    book it doesn't sound like heat rash.
    
    Been doing baking soda baths and Aveeno and its looking a little bit 
    better...guess there are probably as many different rashes as there are
    babies!
    
    ..Lori

    
    What you have described sounds like what both Spencer and Griffin have
    on their arms and legs, in our case, it is a reaction to a milk
    allergy. You might want to look into that. (with Griffin, because he is
    getting milk products second hand he only has a lsight amount of rash
    on, you guessed it, his legs.)
    
    				Wendy

    
    Has anyone's child contracted "Hand, foot, and mouth", otherwise known
    as the Coxsachie virus?
    
    I've had two bouts of it this summer, and I'm wondering what (else) I
    can be doing to avoid it....
    
    Jamd

    As far as I know the only prevention is the same as for colds and other
    viruses:  Frequent hand washing, disinfecting surfaces and running all
    items that find their way into small mouths through the dishwasher.
    
    Good luck
    
    Meg  

    
    My daughter got it this summer - there was a outbreak of the disease at
    her daycare center.  I had never heard of this disease prior to her
    getting it.
    
    She was so sick - her fever got up to 104 - her mouth was full of
    cankers.  She was so sick that she could't even crawl.  Unfortunately,
    there is no antibiotic that cures it.  It lasts like 5-6 days.  Alyssa
    was taking children's motrin for the fever cuz Tylenol was not helping.
    
    I hope she never gets that again.
    
    

    
    My 14 m.o. son just had this hand/mouth/foot virus.  The pediatrician said
    they've seen a lot of it this summer. He thought Alex picked it up at
    day care.  He didn't have cankers that I know of but had some pimples, like
    big white heads, mostly on his face, knees and feet.  Doctor also said
    there's nothing we can do for it.  Said it would last a few weeks,
    might get the cankers and might have fever. 
    
    Kathy
    

>    I hope she never gets that again.

Generally speaking, people do not catch viral illnesses more than once.

I know colds are viruses, and we catch lots of colds, but the fact is
there are at least 150 different rhino viruses that produce the symptoms
we know as a cold.  Influenza viruses mutate sufficiently quickly to be
unrecognizable to the immune system, so we can catch lots of doses of the
'flu ... in essence these are different viruses like colds.

Chicken-pox has the ability to mask itself in th ebody if it isn't destroyed
by the immune system, and so hides and can reappear in adults as shingles.

So, I think you can be quite satisfied that she won't get that again.

Stuart (said he who had Chicken-pox, mumps, measles all twice, and German
Measles several times! ... Poor immune system when I was young!)

    
    This past weekend my daughter Lara (6 months) had a horrible virus.
    Friday morning she woke up with a fever of 104.5. The Tylenol only
    brought it down to about 103. I figured it was an ear infection (this
    is exactly when her older sister Anna got her first). We went to the
    doctor's at 3:30 and she had slept almost all day and had only taken
    in 2 ounces of formula. Well, there was no "reason" for the fever,
    i.e., no ear infection, throat was fine, rash , etc. They probed her
    head (soft spot) quite a bit which I found out was to check for
    meningitis (it wasn't that thank goodness). At this point they decided
    to test her for other infections so she was catheterized for a urine
    specimen and sent to the lab for a blood draw. This was all very
    traumatic for me and her. The initial reading of the blood test was
    that her white blood cell count was a little higher than normal, so
    they gave her a mege-dose shot of antibiotics and she was also given
    children's Motrin for the fever. WE went back Saturday morning and her
    urine and blood cultures were negative so the conclusion was it was
    just some virus. She's doing much better now, alert and all happy again
    except she's not drinking that much formula. Yesterday at 4am she had
    5 ounces, at 8am she ate some breakfast but not as much as normal. She
    then didn't drink any more formula until 4:30pm when she took 6 ounces.
    She ate a little supper and took 2 ounces at 8:30. She then proceeded
    to wake up 3 times through the night (11pm, 2:30am, and 5am). All 3
    times she acted like she wanted to drink but after a couple of sucks
    she would pull away and just cry and cry until she finally went back to
    sleep (30-60 minutes later). This morning she was drinking a bottle at
    the babysitters when I left.
    
    My question is, has anyone's child had something similar recently??
    Should I call the doctor about her not really drinking or wait a bit
    more?? She has no more fever and she's alert and happy (except at night
    when she's alert and unhappy), so I'm kind of at a loss as to what to do.
    
    Thanks for any help.
    
    Patty (a very tired and concerned Mom)

Patty, count her wet diapers.  I believe she should have at least 6 wet diapers
per day.  

Did they check her for strep?  I think you can't get strep at an early age,
but there also may be something similar she could get.  

I'd give her tylenol and make sure it had taken effect before giving her
a bottle next time (if she still isn't drinking much).  You have to watch
for dehydration.  Since she is indicating pain when drinking and/or sucking,
the tylenol can help you get more fluids in her.

If in any doubt, call the ped.  I'd call the daycare and find out how much
fluid she has taken today, then call the ped if you think you should.

BTW, Justin's been in that situation before, too, and came out just fine as
I recall.  We *did* talk with and/or see the doctor, though.  I think that
was the time they gave him the antibiotics shot recently (which you've already
done).

      Carol

    
    Well, I just talked with daycare and she took 4 ounces this morning and
    then ate some cereal. Then just a little bit ago she took another 5
    ounces. Guess we're on the road to recovery. I figured since I entered
    a note the problem would go away, but that's okay. 
    
    Carol, I did think of giving her Tylenol and if tonight she gets like
    she was last night then I'm going to definitely do it, cause I don't
    know about her, but boy do I need some sleep!!
    
    Patty

Patty,

I wonder if their were aliens in the area on Friday. But...let me back up to
last Wednesday.

Last Wednesday, my son Reid (15 months) started crying for no apparent reason.
We tried all the usual comfort mechanisms but he cried and cried. This went on
for long enough (almost an hour) that Lyn (his mom) called the doctor's office.
She talked to the nurse who asked a bunch of questions and then said she would
call back in 10 minutes. When she did call back he had just finally started to
settle down. We agreed to watch him closely and call immediately if there was a
reoccurrence. The rest of the day he was fine. All day Thursday he was his
normal self. And Friday morning he was fine and normal.

Lyn's parent's live in Maine and early Friday morning she left with our 3
children for an overnight visit. At 4:15p.m. Friday, Lyn called me at work to
inform me that Reid was being rushed to the Maine Medical Center in Portland. A
spinal tap had been done, blood was taken, and a urine sample was done also.
They also were worried about meningitis

Lyn, her mother, and the children had gone shopping in Biddeford (the town next
to Kennebunkport for those who don't know the area). Reid had started crying
uncontrollably, same as Wednesday. A bit later he vomited.

She called our pediatrician who advised her to go to the nearest clinic. It so
happens there was a good pediatric clinic 1/2 mile down the road. As soon as
they arrived, the pediatrician started working on him. Soon all three doctors
in the practice were involved. They were very concerned about his color and his
breathing. As they explained to Lyn, at his age these types of symptoms can
deteriorate very quickly and they couldn't figure out what they were dealing
with. They gave him an IV, drew the spinal fluid, blood, and urine, and sent
him to the Medical Center in Portland where he (and we) spend the most part of
the weekend. He was on IV and antibiotics the whole time.

By Saturday morning, he was much better. He was released late Saturday but they
said that most of the cultures would not be complete until 48 hours after they
began (Friday night). 

He seems to be fine and has been since Saturday night. All the tests and
cultures came back negative. Their theory is that he just had a virus to which
he reacted poorly. This is somewhat validated by the fact that his siblings
(Kelly - 6, Christopher - 4) have had low grade fevers for the past two days.

In hindsight, it looks like it may have been an overreaction. However, I for
one am glad they erred on the side of caution. If they made nothing else clear
to us, it was that meningitis or any other serious virus needs to be treated
VERY seriously in an infant.

As an aside, if you are ever in need of medical help in the Portland area, I
would highly endorse the Maine Medical Center. And the Biddeford Pediatric
Clinic. They were helpful, caring, and very professional through all of this.
Because of issues we have had with Christopher, we have spent a lot of time at
Floating and Children's hospitals in Boston. I would put the Maine Medical
Center in a similar class. From what I understand, there are many great doctors
who like the lifestyle up there and it shows.


							Mark

My 17 month old daughter came down with fever on thurs night.  She has had it
since then continously.  Tylenol brings the fever down for a while..she is up
and running all around, a few hours later, the fever rises up again ( 103/102).
She also has a slight runny nose and since Sat, has had diarrhea.  The poop is
also green in color and really stinks!  We did take her into the doctor on Fri
and after a blood test, they said that it was a virus...to give her Tylenol to
keep the fever down and keep her hydrated.  Does anyone have more details on
what kind of virus this could be ?  Any similar experiences ?  How long does
this last ?  It's really awful to see her struggle to walk around, being so weak!

Also, she has hardly eaten anything the past few days.  She loves to drink
milk..but we have had to cut that out coz of diarrhea..she is just on juice for
the past two days !

--C.

    
    This might be worth a question to the pedi .... but I wonder if the
    lactose-reduced milk might be acceptable?  I'm not sure what the real
    reason is for 'no milk w/ digestive upsets'.  I recently tried some
    called Dairy Ease, (2% reduced lactose milk), and it really tasted
    fine.  They claim people prefer it to Lactaid, but I've never tried
    that, so don't know.
    
    ...it's worth asking
    
    

Not being a Dr, it is hard to say "This sounds like ...", apart from the fact it
is illegal for a non-doctor to diagnose like this ...

But that said, this could easily fit the symptoms for viral illnesses like
roseola, or many others.  The green smelly stools are like teething stools
and are often the result of excess phlegm going throughj the digestive process.

You'll know f it was roseola, because after about 2-4 days of high fever,
the fever will subside and she'll develop a bright rash.

But the bottom line is that all you can do is make her comfortable with Tylenol
for fever and lots of fluids.   Typically you don't worry about lack of eating
while they are feverish.

Stuart

    Well we just did a similar flu phase with Chelsea.  She got the runs on
    Friday, the fever went from Saturday thru Monday.  Fever ranges from
    102 --> 104.  No vomitting and for the most part her mood was pretty
    good.  Bowel output was about as green as it gets!
    
    She was really good about liquids this time, in the past we have had
    a few high fevers where I had to feed her with a medicine dropper just
    to keep her hydrated.  I took her off milk and juice for three days.
    She drank diluted Gatorade, Water, 7up, Otter Pops and stayed plenty
    hydrated.  I also gave her small doses (1/2 teaspoon/twice a day) of
    the Imodium (for a two day duration).
    
    Took her to the doctor and basically got the "lots of viral stuff"
    going around these days talk.  Pedi said keep her off milk and juice,
    stick to the BRAT diet and make sure she is plenty hydrated.
    
    Tuesday morning....welcome the RASH.  I didn't suspect Roseola this
    time, because so much seems to be going around daycare that I just
    figured it was one of many virus' on the loose.  Chelsea is 28 months
    and has a case of Roseola at around 16 months.  It's just that the
    fever was so much higher the first time around, which I guess would
    maybe make sense that the second time around would be a little bit
    less, being that it has been introduced to her system once.
    
    Hope this helps!
    
    ...Lori

    There most be a few bouts of roseola going around along with the
    stomach bug .... poor Jonathan, had the stomach bug last week, and then
    was better by later on Friday, and then Sat morning woke up with a
    fever, and kept it up (and higher) till ~5am Sunday, when it dropped
    from 104.2 to just under 100 (PHEW!), and then Monday came the rash.
    
    Now he refuses to TOUCH his bottle, though he'll drink from a cup okay. 
    Is there anything going around that affects the mouth?  He doesn't seem
    to be teething (but who can ever tell!).
    
    He's 1 year old today!!

I believe, but am not sure, that with Coxsackie, the rash can be in the 
mouth; isn't coxsackie sometimes called "foot and mouth" disease?  I've also 
heard of chicken pox getting in the mouth and throat, so I suppose roseola 
could also.

Clay

    GROAN .......!  I didn't even think of that.  Last week a kid at
    daycare had foot-and-mouth .... isn't daycare wonderful!?
    
    If I remember right, the only treatment is time, right?
    
    Thanks!
    Patty

Re -1

Yes, time is the healer for the dreaded foot-mouth disease !  My daughter
Shruthi had it too about two months ago, all the pedi had us do was give her
some strong painkillers ( she had tylenol with codiene for a while).  She was
much better in four-five days.  But this is contagious...so Jonathan might not
be able to go to daycare for a while !

--C.

	Lauren recently had the hand, foot, and mouth virus as well.  We
	have no real idea where she picked it up but it is very contagious
	and she infected 2 other children in daycare (so 3 out of 5 got it)
	and the grandmother of one of the children got it something awful!

	My husband, who was sharing a glass with Lauren in the morning
	before she was diagnosed with it, did not catch it.... wierd.

	Motrin was what we gave her (orange flavored, she cannot stand
	cherry... makes her puke).

	Karen

    Well over here on the West Coast it seems to be a little bit of both
    going around.  When I took Chelsea to the Pedi it seemed like quite
    a few of the moms were talking about cases of foot/mouth.  In Cheslea's
    daycare two other kids had the Roseola prior to Chelsea catching it.
    
    From what the moms told me about foot/mouth, I was thankful for the
    Roseola this time around.  It seems like the kids go thru an awful lot
    of pain, even though the motrim or codiene do help.
    
    I've heard rumors that say kids can only catch Roseola once, but I
    know this is not true for us, because this is the second time for
    Chelsea.
    
    ..Lori

    
    Wellllllllllllllllllll who knows what he's got!!  I took him back to
    the Drs yesterday, and they say it's not foot/mouth, but he also
    doesn't think it's roseola, as the rash is getting worse and not
    better.  He acted fine yesterday, but looked TERRIBLE!  The daycare
    just called and said he's got a fever again (102.7), so I guess it's
    time to go back home.  Last night the Dr gave me the "It's some type of
    virus he's allergic to" routine, and said if the rash bothers me (by
    how it looks) that I can give him benedryl 3/day, but it wouldn't do
    much for him except make him sleepy.  Can't see the point in pumping
    this medicine into him for a week, just so I feel better!
    
    Well, I guess this'll be my opportunity to catch up on laundry (-:
    
    THANKS! (It's nice to know it's not just my baby getting all this crud)
    Patty

    
    Does anyone know anything about Hives?  I think my 6 year old daughter
    has them.  At least that's what the doctors office said - they
    haven't seen her but that's what it sounded like by the description that I
    gave them.  
    
    When she got up on Wednesday morning she had what looked like a bite
    of some sort under her eye.  It was swollen and red.  Then when she
    took off her pajamas - her sholder and half of her back had red welts
    on it.  I called the dr. and they thought it sounded like hives but I
    really thought it was an allergic reaction to something that had bit
    her.  I put calamine lotion on it and by the time she got home from
    school it was pretty much gone.  
    
    When I gave her a bath that evening it made it worse.  She broke out on
    her arms, butt, the remainder of her back and on her thighs.  She was
    very itchy.  It seems to not come back to where its allready been just
    appears in new places.  Also - once the swelling is gone theres a red
    outline around where it was but the middle area is white.
    
    This morning it seems to have gone to her eyes - they were both swollen
    when she got up.  It doesn't seem to bother her though - she didn't
    even know that there was anything wrong til she looked in the mirror.
    
    I guess my question is - if this is hives how long will it last and is
    it going to go to her whole body before it ends?  I've been giving her
    benadryl and using calamine lotion.  Is there anything else that I can
    do?  What causes hives?
    
    
    Thanks for any input.
    
    Kirsten
    

    Kirsten,
    
    if it is hives, they are caused by an allergic reation to something,
    and figuring the something out can be a pain in the neck.  In my case
    it is/was a combination of allergies to nylon, and a sensitivity to a
    few foods, including artifical cinnamon, and cashews.  (I ignore the
    cashew allergy sometimes, as I love them, life isn't fair.)
    
    One question, is your daughter on any antibiotics at this time?  If so
    call your Dr. back and raise hell until you get her in.  Hives can be
    the warning signs of a serious allergy to some antibiotics.  
    
    In any case, benadryl is usually used to relieve the itching and reduce
    the reaction.
    
    Good luck,
    
    meg

    Don't know for sure, but I *think* "hives" is just a descriptive term,
    not an actual disease (like "conjunctivitis," which only means
    irritation of the lining of the eye).
    
    The only time I had hives, it was an allergic reaction to penicillin,
    but I don't remember what they were like (I was about 5 at the time). 
    In fact every instance of hives I've heard of, they've been an allergic
    reaction or "sensitivity" to some substance.
    
    Benedryl can help, and I've heard of a severe case where steroids were
    prescribed.
    
    Good luck,
    Leslie

    
    She's not on any medications - except the benedryl now.  I can't think
    of anything new that I've used or that she's eaten.
    
    Any idea how long this will last?
    
    Kirsren
    

    
    Between the ages of around 4-10, my nephew broke out in hives all the time.
    Now at 16 I don't think it is much of a problem any more. It is always an 
    allergic reaction to something he has eaten or touched. 
    
    Kathy

    
    My youngest had a similar rash a week or so ago.  The doctor said it
    was a virus.  Not that the virus circutlating in the office that week
    had that symptom, it was just the way her body exhibited the signs.  
    I believe him to a point as Courtney doesn't usually run a temp, but 
    when she has an ear infection, I can always tell because she gets 
    conjunctivitis; just her way of letting me know I guess..
    
    I would insist on a visit just to be sure.
    
    Beth
    
    

    My daughter age 11 has hives on her from head to toe EVERY DAY! 
    She is on med's for this....    the prolbem; the house we live in is OLD
    and the basement is wet and "Moldey" which she is allergic to. her hives
    can and do sometimes get as large as a apple. I use goldbond cream as
    well as bendrely (x1 aday any more and she sleeps) she also has a
    allergic reaction to some foods ie; milk O.J. eggs etc...  it's tuff to
    keep under control but it's a must! I'd have her checked asap.... 

    
    Consider any changes in laundry detergent and/or fabric softeners,
    bubble bath or soap, or new clothing as a possible source...
    

    
    Do hives allways look the same?  Does what I'm explaining sound like
    hives to those who've seen them?  Would the bath make them worse?
    If it's an allergic reaction to something will it continue to happen
    until I figure out what it is that's causing it?
    
    I'm definately taking her in to see the doctor this afternoon....
    
    Thanks for all the input.
    
    Kirsten
    

Also, remember that people can develop allergies (i.e., it's not
necessarily something you just introduced to her diet or skin).
I was stung by bees several times before I developed a lovely
"dramatic local allergic reaction" to bee venom.  (Read this
as: if a bee stings my foot, I won't be able to walk for 3 days!)  

It may have been coincidence that she reacted just after her
bath, but I'd change to a soap for delicate skin (I think Basis
and Purpose are supposed to be good, but check with the doctor)
and ask what shampoo you should try (Neutrogena?).  And switch
to Tide-Free or Cheer-Free for laundry detergent.  Avoid fabric
softeners (including dryer sheets) for the time being.

Once you've got her back to normal, you can try reintroducing one
thing at a time to try to narrow it down, but this might be
risky so get knowledgeable advice first.  You don't want her to
have a more severe allergic reaction.

If it's something in her diet, it can be a lot harder to trace. 

And good luck with your detective work!

- Deb B.

    
    I just made an appointment for her at 3:00 today.
    
    I'll let you know how it goes on Monday.
    
    Thanks again for the info.
    
    Kirsten
    

    Laura (my 11 yr old ) had these hives apper for somtime before I had
    her checked, they were only getting worse.    She was bittien by
    mosquito's under her both eyes and she had such a bad reaction to them
    her eyes were sowelln shut.  Her Dr put her on prednizone (sp?) for the
    10 days and it went down.  ever since that she been off & on it. I had
    a scratch test done on her last march and sure anough she's allergic to
    alot of stuff.  How old is your daughter?? keep in mine a scartch test
    is painfull and should not be done untill you can rule out other
    things.  have your Dr recommend a good allery Dr.

    My 3 1/2 year old broke out in hives just as you describe, this past
    spring. Large red welts that would cover a surface and then subside
    within hours or overnight only to be replaced by more somewhere else.
    It took 3 days but then abated, after many Aveeno baths and Benedryl.
    
    

    When I was 6 I started to break out in hives.  With Mom being a nurse
    and Dad being a doctor I was checked pretty extensively until they 
    found what I was allergic to.  Get this: the COLD!!  In the winter I
    had to be bundled up and could only play outside for short periods of
    time.  In the summer I could only go swimming for 20 minute shots, and
    someone had to watch me if I had a popsicle or ice cream lest my throat 
    close up!  Needless to say I was of "medical interest" to Albany
    Medical Center, where for 2 years they drew blood every week. (The
    folks at the lab whenever I have blood drawn now curse me out because 
    I have no veins left in my arm that they can go after!)
    
    I was on Periactin (sp?) for the longest time, and took it before I was
    going to go outside.  I got real good at catching when I started to get
    hives real early and I would just go to warm up some place.
    
    I did outgrow it.  Looking back, it sounds like a real drag for a kid
    but as long as I took my medicine before I was exposed, it really
    wasn't that bad!
    
    

Elise reacts to all kinds of things with hives.  The pattern depends
upon the cause.  For example, when she runs a fever that goes over
102, she gets hives.  (Very convenient).  We give her tylenol or
ibuprofen, the hives go away (since the fever goes down).

She also reacts strongly to mosquito bites.  Some of you parents have
seen her "professional boxer" face reaction to mosquito bites.
Sometimes she also gets hives along with the swelling from the bite.

We just do whatever to stop the scratching; they usually go away within
an hour....

Pat

    Pat,
    Professional boxer?  I love it!  My son was bitten by something and
    both eyes swelled up. I kept calling him "Rocky Balboa"!  The bruising 
    left behind by the swelling was terrible : (
    Appropos of nothing, just nice to hear someone else making the boxing
    connection : )
    Sarah

Does anyone have any information on risks to pregnancy if Fifth Disease is
contracted?

Thanks,
Nancy

    Nancy,
    
    I can't tell you too much other than I myself contracted it from my son
    last year, and I got SICK.  I got much sicker than my son did.  I ended
    up feeling lousy.  I walked around with a red slapped face and I ended
    up swelling up for a week.  Not cute.  
    
    Anyway back to your question.  My sister-in-law was beginning her 3rd
    trimester and the Dr forbid her to come into contact with anyone that
    had been in contact with me.  I did some reading and I believe there is
    a note string somewhere in here as well.  It can cause spontaneous
    abortion in the 1st trimester and can cause premature labor in the 3rd
    trimester.  Not sure of the implications in the 2nd trimester.  A call
    to the Dr is in order.  They ran blood tests on my S-I-L to see if she
    had it.  I guess it can be as bad as getting measles during pregnancy.
    
    Donna

    Anybody know of a virus (hopefully) going around that only produces a
    fever?  David has had a fever since Saturday (5 days now).  No other
    symptoms, just a stubborn fever that will not go down!  Tylenol around
    the clock only brings it down to about 101 or so, just enough to make
    him more comfortable.
    I took him to the doctor, and they cultured him for strep throat (his
    tongue had a sore on it, and his throat was a little red), but tehre
    doesn't appear to be anything else wrong with him.  If the culture
    comes up negative, he'll have to have more testing to find teh source
    of the fever.  
    Sound familiar to anyone? 
    Sarah

    How old is he? My son had something like this last spring and
    it turned out to be roseola. After 4 or 5 days he got a lacy
    rash all over his back. Danny was 2 1/2 at the time -- I think
    they can get it til around age 3.
    Sue

    
    How old is your son?? You mention the sore on his tongue. My daughter
    had an unexplained fever for a few days ( forget when, but she's only
    two now and this was a while ago). It ended up that she had a couple of
    sores in her mouth so the doctor ruled that she had her first occurance
    of Herpes Simplex Virus II (cold sores, canker sores, and the like). He
    said the first time a young child gets this they can get a high fever
    with it. I know if I have a really bad cold sore I will run a slight
    fever and even have some swollen glands. Rememeber it is a virus.
    
    Patty

    Ooops, should have mentioned that. He's 6.  Nobody in school or
    after-school care has anything similar (I quizzed the teachers and
    called a few mothers I know who have had kids out sick lately).
    Really odd.  No rash, no chest congestion, nothing else besides the
    fever.

    Sarah-
    For Amanada the only symptom she has for a UTI if a high fever....have
    they tested his urine?
    
    Good Luck,
    Roberta

    
    A boy my son is in kindergarten with had very similiar symptons 
    last week. He was out of school all week and they finally did a strep
    culture which turned out negative. They didn't really know what to
    make of it but ha seems fine now.
    
    On the other hand, my son came down with something sunday night. He
    threw up probably 5 or 6 times and was running a pretty high temp.
    (102-103) On monday he only threw up once but his temp went up to 104.3
    I gave him childrens motrin and bathed him with a cool face cloth and
    his temp came back down. It was kind of scary because he usually doesn't
    run that high. 
    
    He was a little warm yesterday but so far today he seems ok. I figure
    he had some kind of bug. Hopefully he's all over it.
    
    Good luck, I hope he feels better soon.
    
                     Barbara
    
    

    Strep culture was negative, which was an immense relief to family and
    friends who visited before David got sick : )
    He still has a fever (day 6), but it's gradually coming down.  I only
    give him tylenol when it gets uncomfortably high, since I'd rather his
    body deal with whatever it is with it's own defenses.  We are now at
    100.8 without tylenol, so I'd say we are on the down-slide.  Poor
    little guy is getting dehydrated (leg cramps, cracked lips), so
    everytime he walks by me I hand him a cup of water, juice, or milk.
    This is a very odd virus, with only a fever as a symptom.  But I have
    to conclude it's a virus.  Thanks .104 for letting me know it's going
    around!   I called the doctor again, and she told me that unless temp.
    starts to go up again, or if he starts exhibiting other sypmtoms like
    neck/back pain, lethargy, etc. that I will have to let it run it's
    course.        
    Sarah

    I was exposed, thru my daughters daycare, to Fifth's disease.
    It is in the German Measels family and gets it's name from being the
    5th disease diagnosed in the measels family.  It can be dangerous,
    especially in the first trimester.  It can cause miscarriage and
    spontaneous abortions.  It can also cause swelling on the brain
    of the fetus in the 3rd trimester.  I believe it can also cause
    other birth defects, but are rare.  
    
    After 2 blood tests it was confirmed that I did contract it early in my
    2nd trimester.  I was surprised because my 2 daughters did not seem
    to get it.  In children the symtoms are very noticable.  They run a
    fever, and have a very red rash on their face that looks like they were 
    slapped.  The rash is itchy and lasts for several days.
    
    My doctor has told me not to worry.  He said HE has never seen anyone
    who had complications as a result of Fifth's disease.  We have done one 
    ultrasound and so far everything is normal.  My doctor plans to do 
    another ultrasound in the 3rd trimester as a precaution.
    
    I try not to worry, but it is a little hard when you have someone
    kicking in your belly all the time reminding you they are there!!!
    
    Anyone have any personal experience with this?  
    
    
    3 more months to go,
    Norma
                                                            

    
    	I have no personal experience with this, but when my
    	son had a high fever with rash preceding his chicken pox,
    	I went scrambling for my "What to Expect..." book.
    
    	They claim that the largest risk is miscarriage, with 
    	rare cases involving birth defects.  I was surprised,
    	because the one person I know of who had contracted fifth's
    	during her pregnancy implied that the risk of defects was
    	high enough for her to consider terminating.
    
    	I'm happy to hear that your ultrasound was normal.
    
    	Praying for continued good health for you and your
    	baby, and a worry-free final trimester!
    
    	karen
    
    	PS - Andrew's full-body rash and raging fever before
    	his chicken pox turned out to be scarletina - a rash
    	that often accompanies strep throat.