Rubella (German measles): Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Rubella, also called German measles or three-day measles, is an infectious viral disease which is distinguished by a characteristic red rash. Most people experience minor or no symptoms from this infection. However, it can pose severe problems for newborn babies if their mothers become infected during pregnancy.

Rubella and measles are not the same, but both diseases share the same symptoms and indications, such as a red rash. A different virus causes rubella; thus, it is not as infectious or severe as measles. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccines are both safe and effective in preventing rubella, and immunization can protect against rubella for life.

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Rubella Symptoms

Rubella symptoms are usually difficult to detect, especially in children. Signs and symptoms usually occur two to three weeks after being exposed to the virus, and they usually last 1 to 5 days and may include:

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When to See a Doctor?

Consult the doctor immediately if you notice any symptoms or signs indicating rubella. If you are considering getting pregnant, check your vaccination history to confirm that you have had the MMR vaccine. If you get rubella while expecting, especially in the first trimester, the rubella virus may harm the fetus or result in severe birth abnormalities. Congenital deafness is most commonly caused by rubella during pregnancy. It is best to get your rubella vaccination before becoming pregnant.

You'll almost likely be tested for rubella immunity if you're pregnant. However, contact your doctor if you have never had the vaccine and feel you have been exposed to rubella. A blood test may confirm that you are already immune.

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Rubella Vaccines 

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Side Effects of the Rubella Vaccine

The rubella vaccine is generally safe, but like all vaccines, it may cause mild side effects. These can include:

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Rubella Causes

The virus that causes rubella is spread from person to person. The virus spreads when an infected individual coughs or sneezes. Direct contact with contaminated mucous from the nose and throat might also spread it. It can also be transmitted through the bloodstream from pregnant women to their unborn babies.

A person with rubella is infectious for about one week before the rash appears and until the rash disappears. An infected person can spread the sickness before the person realizes they are infected. Rubella is rare in many nations because most children are immunized against it at an early age. The rubella virus is still active in several areas of the world. This is important to consider before traveling abroad, especially if you're pregnant.

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Complications of Rubella

Rubella is a mild infection and it may cause arthritis in the fingers, wrists, and knees, which usually lasts around a month. Rubella can cause ear infections or brain inflammation in rare cases.

However, if individuals have rubella while pregnant, the complications for the unborn child can be severe and, in some cases, fatal. Congenital rubella syndrome affects up to 90% of babies born to mothers with rubella during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. This syndrome can result in one or more of the following problems:

The first trimester of pregnancy is when the fetus is most at risk, but exposure later in pregnancy is also dangerous.

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Diagnosis of Rubella

The rubella rash can resemble various other viral rashes. As a result, lab testing is usually done to confirm rubella infection. A virus culture or a blood test may be performed to determine the presence of several rubella antibodies in the blood. These antibodies indicate whether you've had a recent or previous infection and a rubella vaccine.

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Rubella Treatment

There is no treatment that can shorten the course of rubella infection, and symptoms are rarely severe enough for need of any treatment. However, healthcare providers usually advocate isolation from others during the infectious period, especially for pregnant women. Isolate yourself from others as soon as rubella is suspected and for at least seven days after the rash has disappeared.

The support provided to a newborn born with congenital rubella syndrome varies according to the severity. Children with various issues may require early care from a team of neonatologists, pediatricians and other specialists.

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Prevention of Rubella

The best way to prevent rubella is through vaccination. The MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) provides immunity against rubella and is typically given during childhood, with booster shots recommended for adults at risk. Pregnant women should avoid exposure to rubella, as it can lead to serious birth defects or miscarriage. Additionally, good hygiene practices, like hand washing and avoiding contact with infected individuals, help reduce the risk of transmission.

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Lifestyle and Home Remedies for Rubella

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Dos and Don’ts

A person with rubella has to follow a proper diet. Taking adequate care is crucial to managing this condition and other medical treatments. Follow these do's and don'ts in the diet-

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Rubella Care at Medicover Hospitals

We have the most trusted healthcare team at Medicover hospitals, comprising of general physicians and infectious disease specialists, to deliver the best management of Rubella disease. We are working to give our patients excellent healthcare in a holistic way. With the active engagement of healthcare specialists from different specialties, our team takes a multi-faceted approach to manage rubella disease and other infectious disorders. We deliver world-class healthcare services, resulting in high treatment outcomes and satisfactory patient experiences.