Roseola

Question 1

What causes rosella and how contagious is it ?

Answer 1

•Caused by human herpesvirus type-6 or type-7
•Very infectious

Question 2

How is roseola transmitted ?

Answer 2

. It is spread by the fluids that are coughed or sneezed into the air.

Question 3

How long is the incubation period of roseola?

Answer 3

Incubation 9-15 days

Question 4

When is roseola contagious ?

Answer 4

Once your child has symptoms, they are no longer contagious.

Question 5

How long does roseola typically last ?

Answer 5

. It is self-limiting and lasts about 7 days. Once infected, there is lifelong immunity

Question 6

Amongst which age group is roseola most common ?

Answer 6

6 months- 3 years old

Question 7

What are the prodromal (early) symptoms of roseola ? (8)

Answer 7

(flu-like symptoms) 3-5 days before rash:

. fever (usually above 39 for 3-4 days)

.aches

.runny nose

.sore throat

.cough

.loss of appetite

.swollen glands in neck

.swollen eyelids

Question 8

What are the characteristics of a roseola rash ? (5)

Answer 8

•Small pink spots (or brown, grey or purple on darker skin)

•Start on trunk, spread to arms and legs (less commonly on face)

•Not itchy/painful/blister

•Fades within hours to 2 days (sometimes no rash)

•May get similar spots in mouth

Question 9

How is roseola treated ?

Answer 9

. Symptomatic- no cure

Fever/ aches : take paracetamol, ibuprofen

Question 10

How can symptoms of roseola be reduced ? (3)

Answer 10

. Loose, cotton clothing, avoid extra layers

. Fluid- ice lollies

. Rest

Question 11

How can the spread of roseola be reduced ?

Answer 11

. Avoid spread of virus by maintains hygiene:
-washing hands
-use tissues when sneezing/coughing
-do not share cutlery, cups,bedding, towels etc

. Avoid contact with people who are immunocompromised

. Keep away from school/work while feeling unwell/ have fever.