Slapped cheek virus (fifth disease)

Unfortunately William came home from school yesterday feeling a little out of sorts.  As the evening went on, his cheeks became redder and redder!

Today he has a slight temperature, a rash on his arms, a bit of a headache and a slight tummy ache, but on the whole he is ok. 

Its one of those viruses that you may not have heard of and may not even realise that your child has.  You may just presume that the red cheeks are due to temperature. 

I've taken a photo of William so you're able to recognise the virus.  Also, here is a link to the NHS site with more details:

http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/slapped-cheek-syndrome/Pages/Introduction.aspx

It isn't a bad virus and often children aren't really ill with it.  If your child does develop the illness then they are ok to attend as long as they are well.  If they have a temperature or are poorly in themselves, then they would need to stay at home (see our sickness policy). 

Hope this information has been useful to you and I will keep my fingers crossed that all of your children aren't ill, especially over Christmas!