My daughter had what I thought was a cold but she soon developed the rash and was diagnosed with fifth disease - never heard of it. It wasn't too long before I started generally feeling unwell, rundown, then headachy, then sick and dizzy, then I fainted and the next day my joints in my hands, wrist, neck and knees swelled up very painful. After a trip to the doctors he concluded I had a virus and anemia, it wasn't until I mentioned my child had fifths disease that he considered that as the cause. Hopefully the anti inflammatory I've been given will help.

I had been feeling generally weak and headachy for a couple weeks. I just couldn't seem to get enough sleep. One day I came home from work feeling chills and was running a low-grade fever. I spent the evening on the couch and next day went back to work as usual, although feeling pretty tired. A couple days later, I got out of the shower and noticed a rash all over my body. The joint aches are the worst part of this. I hurt everywhere and my hands are so swollen I can't get my wedding rings off. I can't close my fist and it hurts to grip anything. I need to go back to work, but am so fatigued that it's all I can do to keep up with the basics at home for a husband and 4 kids. I am nearly 50 and until this hit me, I never felt my age. Now, I feel like I've been hit by a truck. I'm taking ibuprofen for the joint aches and loratidine (antihistamine) for the itchiness of the rash. I'm trying to get more rest. The most discouraging thing I've read about this is that the joint pain and fatigue can last weeks. Since this is a viral illness, the only thing is to ride it out and get as much rest as possible. Take care of yourselves and good luck to all!

I had been having headache for about 3 days then suddenly my joints started hurting then the rash came out. I didn't think anything of it till my daughter came out with the rash all over her body. Went to the doctor to find out it was fifths disease.

Under my arms I have bumps and my is back covered with tiny raised bumps not a lot of redness. Cheeks are red with no heat or fever.