Diagnosis: Roseola

Roseola is a viral illness in young kids, most commonly affecting those between 6 months and 2 years old. It is usually marked by several days of high fever, followed by a distinctive rash just as the fever breaks.

This is what happened with Abigail. We thought her fevers were a result of an ear infection (bacterial illness that can be treated with antibiotics.) However, the antibiotics weren't helping. When the roseola showed up, it was proof that this was a viral illness (antibiotics do not help.)

A child with roseola typically develops a mild upper respiratory illness, followed by a high fever (often over 103° F or 39.5° C) for up to a week. During this time, the child may appear fussy or irritable and may have a decreased appetite and swollen lymph nodes (glands) in the neck.

Exactly Abigail. A week of fevers. A week of irritability. Then, the rash started. Yesterday, Kristy was over and she said, "What's that behind her ear?"

The high fever often ends abruptly, and at about the same time a pinkish-red flat or raised rash appears on the trunk and spreads over the body. The rash's spots blanch (turn white) when you touch them, and individual spots may have a lighter "halo" around them. The rash usually spreads to the neck, face, arms, and legs.

The good news is, the rash is hopefully a sign that she is on the mend!