I didn't REALLY Lie!

Okay, so in my last post I said that we were healing. And we are! We just... aren't quite there yet. Abrielle had a rash appear on her torso yesterday and it has persisted. A call to the nurse confirmed that she has roseola.
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Roseola (Exanthem Subitum; Roseola Infantum)

*Information from here.   

Definition

Roseola is an infection caused by a virus. It is characterized by a sudden onset of high fever followed by a rash. This disorder usually resolves on its own with no complications. Roseola can occur year round, but it is most common in the spring and fall.

Roseola

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Causes

Roseola is usually caused by a virus called human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6). It can also be caused by human herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7). These viruses are not the same as the herpes viruses that cause cold sores or genital herpes .

Risk Factors

Factors that increase the chance of roseola include:

• Age: 6 months to 3 years; most common between 6 months and 15 months
• Contact with an infected child is rarely reported

Symptoms

Symptoms of roseola include the following:

• Fever
  
  
  • 103°F to 105°F - Abrielle's fever got up to 101.5
  • Begins suddenly and is not associated with other symptoms
  • Lasts 3 days, occasionally a day or two longer - We got stuck with a day longer...
• Convulsions may occur in association with high fever in up to 5% to 10% of children - We have NOT had to deal with this, thank goodness!
• Rash is characteristic in roseola and develops typically 12-24 hours after the fever
  
  
  • Appears first on chest and abdomen
  • Rose-colored
  • May spread to arms, legs, neck, and face
  • Lasts for a few hours to a few days and does not itch - We are on day 2 now...
• Other symptoms or signs may include:
  
  
  • Swelling of lymph nodes in the neck and behind the ears - Hasn't been a noticeable problem for Abrielle.
  • Irritability - DEFINITELY!!!
  • Poor appetite - ABSOLUTELY!
  • Upper respiratory tract infection symptoms may be present before onset of fever - Again, thankfully hasn't been a problem for Abrielle.

The appearance of a rash after the fever disappears is the characteristic sign of roseola.

Treatment

No treatment is needed for roseola unless the child is immunocompromised. The most important treatment is to keep the fever down and maintain good hydration with fluids.
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Keep us in your prayers! We are getting close to this being over now!

Love, the Bentley Family