Does roseola infantum infect children?

Written by Huang Kun Mei

Pediatrics

Updated on May 24, 2025

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Infantile roseola can be contagious to children, as it is caused by a viral infection and is somewhat contagious. Therefore, after a child contracts infantile roseola, it is important to ensure that the air inside the room is kept fresh, with ventilation for two hours each day.

If the child is in good spirits, eating well, and has a temperature not exceeding 38°C, physical cooling methods can be applied to the child, and the diet should be diversified. If the child still has a fever after three days, it is advised to promptly get a blood routine and C-reactive protein test for the child. If it is a bacterial infection, antibiotic treatment needs to be added.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang

Pediatrics

35sec

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How many days does it take for a toddler to develop a rash in the case of sudden rash syndrome?

If it's roseola infantum, it is a febrile rash disease. Generally, fever might last about two to three days. After that, a rash will appear, usually after the fever settles down. Initially, this rash typically starts on the face and head, and then spreads to the trunk, chest, back, and can even cover the entire body. These rashes are small papules and generally fade away within two to three days without leaving any scars. Once the rash appears, there's no need to worry, as the body temperature should start to decrease.

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Written by Huang Kun Mei

Pediatrics

47sec

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What causes roseola in infants?

Exanthema subitum in children is caused by a viral infection, generally starting abruptly with a fever above 39°C, and a rash appears as the fever subsides. The rash is roseola. During the period of exanthema subitum, it's important to avoid drafts, ensure indoor ventilation twice a day, and keep the air fresh. Since exanthema subitum is caused by a viral infection, it is necessary to treat children with antiviral medications. It is recommended to use traditional Chinese medicine antivirals because they tend to have fewer side effects. During the exanthema subitum period, avoid going out, and children should not attend kindergarten to steer clear of crowded places.

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Written by Huang Kun Mei

Pediatrics

50sec

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Does roseola infantum infect children?

Infantile roseola can be contagious to children, as it is caused by a viral infection and is somewhat contagious. Therefore, after a child contracts infantile roseola, it is important to ensure that the air inside the room is kept fresh, with ventilation for two hours each day. If the child is in good spirits, eating well, and has a temperature not exceeding 38°C, physical cooling methods can be applied to the child, and the diet should be diversified. If the child still has a fever after three days, it is advised to promptly get a blood routine and C-reactive protein test for the child. If it is a bacterial infection, antibiotic treatment needs to be added.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan

Neonatology

1min 5sec

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Symptoms of sudden rash in infants

The symptoms of baby rash, a common febrile exanthematous disease in infants and toddlers, usually occur in children under three years old. The peak incidence is between six and seven months after birth. Typically, the child suddenly has a high fever without an obvious cause. The general body temperature is around 39 to 40 degrees Celsius. Besides a loss of appetite, the child generally remains in good spirits, though some may present with a mild fever, not exceeding 38 degrees Celsius. After three to five days of fever, the temperature suddenly drops, generally returning to normal within twenty-four hours. Once the fever subsides or as the temperature begins to decrease, a rash typically appears on the skin, usually rose-red maculopapular or macular rashes. A few children may show mild irritability, swollen lymph nodes, or symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan

Neonatology

56sec

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How long does vomiting last in children with sudden rash?

Roseola in infants is a common febrile rash disease in toddlers, generally caused by a viral infection. The primary clinical manifestations of roseola include high fever lasting 3-5 days. Typically, rash develops as the fever subsides or after the fever has resolved. Some children may also experience other symptoms, such as coughing, nasal congestion, runny nose, and sometimes vomiting or diarrhea. Roseola is generally a self-limiting disease; the rash and other symptoms usually disappear gradually after the fever resolves. However, if roseola is accompanied by other viral or bacterial infections, the duration of the illness or symptoms may be prolonged. Since each child is different, the duration of symptoms like vomiting in roseola varies from one child to another, and there is no specific timeframe.