Typical rash in a 6-year-old – slapped cheek vs. rubella?

Rubella would present with Forchheimer spots (petechiae on soft palate), lymphadenopathy, and a more diffuse maculopapular rash. With no vaccination record, serology can confirm — important especially if there's contact with pregnant women.

This sounds like classic erythema infectiosum (fifth disease / parvovirus B19). The slapped cheek appearance followed by a lacy reticular rash on the trunk is pathognomonic. Management is supportive. Key point: patient is no longer infectious once the rash appears.