Roseola is a viral illness in young children. It is mostly affect those between the ages of 6 months and 2 years young children. It is the sixth of the classical exanthematous diseases and is caused by HHV-6; (HERPESVIRUS 6, HUMAN). It begins with a sudden high fever of 102-104 degrees Fahrenheit i.e.39-40 degrees Celsius.

Causes

The cause of the roseola infantum disease is unknown but it is probably due to a virus, which is transferred through the respiratory tract. It is occurs throughout the year. The time between becoming infected and the beginning of symptoms is 5 to 15 days.

Symptoms

Symptoms begin about 5 to 15 days after infection. A fever of 103 to 105 F begins abruptly and lasts for 3 to 5 days. In between 5 to 15% of children, seizures occur as a result of high fever, particularly as the fever begins and rises quickly. Despite the high fever, the child is usually alert and active. A few children already show a mild runny nose, sore throat, or an upset stomach. The rash of pink, slightly raised spots occurs mainly on the trunk, but may spread to the arms and neck. The rash rarely lasts more than 24 hours. Few common symptoms are :-

Loss of memory or concentration
Sore throat
Painful and mildly enlarged lymph nodes in neck or armpits
Pain that moves from one joint to another without swelling or redness
Jaw pain
Extreme exhaustion after normal exercise
Abdominal pain
Alcohol intolerance
Chest pain
Chronic cough
Diarrhea
Dry eyes and mouth
Earache
Morning stiffness
Nausea
Unexplained muscle soreness
Depression, anxiety, panic attacks
Shortness of breath
Weight loss

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for roseola infantum. This disease usually resolves without complications. Measures should be taken to control a fever. Antibody tests and a culture of the virus are rarely needed because it is cause by a virus not by a bacterium. Make sure that the child drinks plenty of fluids in the three days that the temperature lasts. The rash is not particularly itchy.

Until the fever drops, you can help keep your child cool using a sponge or towel soaked in lukewarm water. Do not use ice, cold water, alcohol rubs, fans, or cold baths. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help to reduce your child's fever.