Preventing the spread of fifth disease:

By the time the rash appears, you can no longer spread the disease to anyone else. After a child gets a rash, he or she may return to school or day care.

People known to have fifth disease, including those who have complications, should take measures to prevent spreading the virus. It helps to wash your hands often. If people with fifth disease are hospitalized, they may be isolated from other patients.

A vaccine against parvovirus B19 is being tested and may be available in the near future.