Roseola infantum: babies and children | Raising Children Network
Roseola infantum is a viral infection in babies and children. Symptoms include fever and rash. It mostly clears by itself, but see a GP if you’re worried.
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Roseola infantum
Key facts
- Roseola infantum ('roseola') is a common viral infection that can cause a high fever followed by a rash.
- Roseola spreads by coughing, sneezing and direct contact.
- There is no specific treatment for roseola — if your child has it, they should rest and drink fluids to stay hydrated.
- Your doctor may recommend paracetamol or ibuprofen to help with fever.
- There is no vaccine for roseola.
What is roseola infantum?
Roseola infantum (commonly known as 'roseola') is a contagious, common viral infection that can cause a high fever followed by a rash. It spreads through droplets that are coughed or sneezed into the air by an infected person.
It is most common in babies and children between 6 months and 2 years of age and lasts about 3 to 5 days.
What symptoms are related to roseola?
Roseola often follows a pattern of symptoms. If your child has roseola, you may notice:
- a mild sore throat, runny nose or cough
- a sudden high fever, which can last between 3 to 5 days
Your child may develop rash after their fever resolves. The rash usually lasts for 2 days, and may:
- be pink and have raised spots on their chest, tummy and back
- spread to the arms and legs
- have spots turn white (known as a 'blanching rash') when you press them
Some children have roseola and experience a high fever and do not develop a rash.
What causes roseola?
Roseola is caused by a virus. It spreads through droplets from an infected person, such as through coughing and sneezing. Children with roseola are only contagious before their symptoms appear. Once symptoms appear, they can no longer spread the virus.
Roseola is not listed on the school exclusion guidelines. Your child can go back to school or daycare as soon as they are feeling well enough.
How is roseola diagnosed?
A doctor can diagnose roseola by considering at your child's symptoms and overall health. They will ask about your child's your symptoms and their health history and examine your child.
When should my child see my doctor?
If your child has symptoms of roseola, you should see your doctor.
You should also see a doctor if your child has roseola:
- experiences any convulsions (seizures)
- is extremely drowsy
- won't drink
- has fewer wet nappies than usual
- a fever that doesn't improve after 48 hours
When to seek urgent care
Sometimes children have febrile convulsions during a fever. Febrile convulsions are seizures caused by a high fever. They can be scary but usually do not harm your child. If your child has a febrile convulsion, you should see your doctor to find out the cause.
See your doctor immediately if your child has a rash or unexplained bruises that do not turn pale (blanch) when you press on it. This could be a sign of meningococcal disease.
How is roseola treated?
There's no treatment for roseola. If your child has a high fever or a rash, it's best to see a doctor for advice.
Your doctor will likely recommend your child gets rest. They may also suggest:
- paracetamol— to help with the fever
- fluids — such as water, breastmilk or formula, to keep them hydrated
Your doctor will not prescribe antibiotics, as they are not effective against viruses.
What are the complications of roseola?
As with other viral infections, roseola can lead to dehydration, especially if your child has a fever and doesn't drink enough fluids.
Make sure you give your child plenty of fluids so that they do not become dehydrated.
Can roseola be prevented?
There's no vaccine for roseola. Good hygiene, such as washing your hands often, can reduce the spread of the virus.
Resources and support
The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne provides useful fact sheets on various topics, including:
The Pregnancy, Birth and Baby video call service allows you to speak face-to-face with a maternal child health nurse. Video call is a free service and is available from 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week (including public holidays).
You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Do you prefer to read in languages other than English?
The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne offers fact sheets in multiple languages on topics such as rashes and fever in children.
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Last reviewed: September 2024
Need more information?
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Roseola infantum | Better Health Channel
Roseola is a mild viral infection with associated fever and rash that affects babies and young children.
Roseola (exanthem subitum, sixth disease) - including symptoms, treatment and prevention | SA Health
Roseola is caused by human herpes virus-6 (HHV-6) - almost all children have been infected by the age of two
