RUBELLA

Rubella (German measles or three-day measles) is a contagious viral infection that comes with a distinct red rash. Rubella is often mistaken with measles. Although the two illnesses do share some characteristics, including the red rash, the virus that cause them are different. Rubella is also not as infectious or as severe as measles.

Signs and symptoms of Rubella may include:

  • Headache
  • Inflamed, Red Eyes
  • Stuffy or Runny Nose
  • Mild Fever of 102 F (38.9 C) or Lower
  • Enlarged, Tender Lymph Nodes at the Base of the Skull, Back of the Neck and Behind the Ears
  • A Fine, Pink Rash That Begins On The Face And Quickly Spreads To The Trunk And Then The Arms And Legs, Before Disappearing In The Same Sequence
  • Aching Joints, Especially in Young Women

The signs and symptoms are usually so mild that it seems unnoticeable, especially to children. The symptoms may appear between two and three weeks after exposure to the virus and usually last about two to three days.

DIAGNOSIS

To diagnose Rubella, the doctor might perform laboratory tests. He or she may also do a virus culture or blood test to detect if there are any rubella antibodies in the patient’s blood.  It is important to know what virus is causing the symptoms for the proper treatment to be done.

 

TREATMENT

Generally, the symptom of this infection is so mild and usually doesn’t need to be treated. If you are an overall healthy person, the infection will go away on its own. However, pregnant women need to be cautious to prevent any complications with her baby. She may be given antibodies called hyperimmune globulin that can fight off the infection. Although it doesn’t remove the rubella antibodies, it may help in relieving the symptoms. Talk with your doctor for more risk or any other concern regarding this.

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