Rubella is a disease caused by the rubella virus and is spread through the air or by close contact. It may appear like measles but are not similar. A person can transmit the disease from one week before the onset of the rash until one week after its rash disappears. 

The disease is potentially serious in pregnant ladies because of its ability to produce defects in a developing fetus if the mother gets infected during early pregnancy. It may include deafness, cataracts, microcephaly, mental retardation, congenital heart, and other defects. A miscarriage or stillbirth may occur. It is important to vaccinate your child since immunization is the best protection against rubella. Defects are rare if the infection occurs after the 20th week of pregnancy. 

Causes

• Exposure to an active case of rubella.
• Lack of immunization.

Signs and symptoms

A low-grade fever and swollen glands behind the ears and at the back and sides of the neck. A rash, which appears in only about half the cases. The rashes start on the face and torso and spread to the arms and legs, lasting three to five days. Loss of appetite, irritability, loss of interest.

Complications

If you get infected with rubella during the 1st trimester of pregnancy, doctors may advise you to terminate your pregnancy as the risk of birth defects is higher in early pregnancies.  

Home treatment

Medical treatment is not necessary. Patients should be kept at home while any rash is visible and for a week afterward. You can give paracetamol or acetaminophen-based pain reliever medicine. Cool sponging will help relieve fever and discomfort from a rash. No need to hyper or panic, the patient will get relief in a week. 

Vaccination

Children need to take 2 doses of the MMR vaccine. The first MMR vaccination should be taken during 12 to 15 months of age and the second one at 4 to 6 years of age. Both vaccines are administered by the subcutaneous route. The maximum age for the administration of MMRV is 12 years. Sore arm or redness at the injection site, fever, and a mild rash can happen after MMR vaccination. Swelling of the glands in the cheeks or neck or temporary pain and stiffness in the joints (mostly in teenage or adult women) sometimes occur after MMR vaccination.

Disclaimer: The content on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be taken as professional medical advice.  Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other health professionals for any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.