Doctor, Doctor...
By Dave Hall
For all you hypochondriacs out there, Dave Hall continues his regular look at a some of the more unusual medical conditions, as well as some you thought you knew all about.
This week: 'SLAPPED CHEEK DISEASE'
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Condition – Also called fifth disease, and is caused by a Parvovirus. It gets its name from being the fifth in the list of diseases causing childhood exanthemata (rashes). It is also characterised by red cheeks (hence the other name). Any age may be affected although it is most common in children aged five to fifteen years.
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Contagion – It's infectious, but becomes less so once the rash has appeared.
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| Danger of death – Although it’s mainly just an itchy rash, it has the ability to cause some serious problems, and is associated with spontaneous abortion and anaemia. | |
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Incurability? – Usually responds well to antibiotic treatments. By the time adulthood is reached about half the population will have become immune following infection at some time in their past.
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Likelihood of getting time off work – Probably pretty likely for a few days off, but after that you’ll be back to the grindstone again sadly.
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| Brag-ability – You might want to claim you had a bizarre illness to your mates, but once they see your red cheeks, you’ll probably wish you hadn’t. Spare your blushes. |
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Overall ridiculousness – Bit of an unlikely condition this one, so not a great deal to worry about. Not a problem if you’re female as you can cover it up with blusher – a little harder if you’re male. |
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More conditions to come soon:
Plague, Mermaid Syndrome and more.
Find more curious conditions in Doctor Doctor. If you can't wait for the next Doctor Doctor, then why not find a Phunny Phobia to keep you going?
Photo: DH
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