Rubella (German measles): symptoms, causes, drugs, etc. • hello healthy

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Definition

What is rubella (German measles)?

Rubella (German measles) or three-day measles is a contagious disease caused by a virus.

This disease can be detected from a specific red rash (spots or pimples) on the face and body.

According to WHO, rubella infection is a condition that can cause low-grade fever and a rash in children as well as adults.

Not only that, the infection also attacks the skin and lymph nodes.

In the past, this disease often afflicted children before finally all children were required to receive the MMR vaccine.

The MMR vaccine is a vaccine that is useful for preventing measles (measles), mumps (mumps), and German measles (rubella).

How common is this condition?

Rubella is common and anyone is at risk for this disease.

Generally, this disease occurs in children or adults who have not been immunized.

German measles in children and adults gets better quickly, is harmless and rarely causes complications.

However, rubella is a dangerous condition if it occurs in pregnant women.

Difference between rubella and measles

Being a type of infectious disease in children, rubella (German measles) and measles have similar symptoms, in the form of a red rash.

However, although the names and symptoms are similar, German measles and measles are not the same.

This is because rubella or German measles in children is caused by a different virus.

If rubella is caused by the genus Rubivirus, while measles is caused by the genus Morbillivirus.

In addition, German measles causes a milder infection than measles, such as not accompanied by a cough.

Then, when you see the rash on the measles are red spots. Meanwhile, the spots on rubella fade faster.

Signs and symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of German measles?

Symptoms of rubella or German measles that appear usually tend to be mild.

That is why, the symptoms of German measles are quite difficult to recognize.

However, it is necessary to know if the virus develops for 2 to 3 weeks after invading the body.

Then, the symptoms will begin to appear for 4 to 5 days.

Here are some of the symptoms of German measles in children that can occur:

• The skin rash on the head spreads to the body, for 2-3 days.

It usually appears on the face and neck before spreading to the lower body.

• Mild fever (<39 ℃)
• Headache
• Nasal congestion or runny nose
• Gag
• The lymph nodes in the neck and behind the ear are swollen.

The most potentially infected period is usually 1-5 days after the appearance of the rash. Here's how the rash appears:

• A red rash will start on the face, and the area will be slight.
• Then spread to other body parts from the body to the feet.
• Usually, the rash will start to fade within 3 to 5 days.

The most contagious condition in children is when a rash on the body is visible.

This transmission can occur 7 days before and after the rash appears.

Symptoms of rubella in adolescents and adults are:

• Loss of appetite
• Conjunctivitis (infection of the eyelids and eyeball)
• Swollen and painful joints, in young women lasting 3-10 days.

When a woman is infected with rubella in early pregnancy, she has a 90% chance of passing the virus to the fetus.

Rubella is a condition that can cause fetal death, or CRS.

If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.

Congenital rubella syndrome (CRS)

Conditions that children can experience with congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) is a hearing loss, eye and heart defects.

As well as other lifelong disorders, including autism, diabetes mellitus, and thyroid dysfunction.

Most German measles in children require lifelong therapy, surgery and treatment.

It is estimated that there are 100,000 cases of CRS worldwide each year.

Often times, a child can have one or more disabilities. Deafness is the most common condition that occurs.

Other conditions that result from congenital rubella syndrome is:

• Cataract
• Heart disease
• Anemia
• Hepatitis
• Developmental delay
• Retinal damage, known as retinopathy
• Small head, lower jaw, or eyes
• Liver or spleen problems, which sometimes go away soon after birth
• Low birth weight.

When should your child see a doctor?

You should contact your doctor if you or your child experience the rash or any of the above symptoms.

During pregnancy, you may be advised to get tested for rubella.

In addition, you may also get a vaccine if your gynecologist recommends it.

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant but experience symptoms of rubella, consult your doctor immediately to get the right treatment.

Cause

What causes rubella (German measles)?

As explained above, German measles in children is caused by a virus.

Is an RNA virus that comes from the genus Rubivirus and is a family Togaviridae .

The spread of the virus occurs through contact with fluids from the nose and throat.

Therefore, German measles can also be infected from sneezing, coughing, and sharing food or drink.

Meanwhile, the transmission of rubella from pregnant women to their babies is through the bloodstream.

Rubella is a contagious disease and is easily transmitted to other people.

Transmission of the virus can occur a week before the rash appears until a week after, and remains contagious for up to 7 days after that.

However, 25-50% of people infected with rubella don't have a rash or have any symptoms.

People who are infected with rubella should tell their friends, family and co-workers, especially pregnant women.

This is intended so that transmission can be minimized, especially German measles in children.

Children born with rubella are considered contagious until they are one year old.

Risk factors

What increases a child's risk of developing rubella?

If the child has never had a special vaccine, of course this can increase the risk of exposure to the virus by up to 90%.

Not only German measles in children, this also applies to adults.

Here are some other risk factors for rubella, such as:

• Have had rubella
• Never received the mumps, chickenpox, and measles vaccines
• Travel to another country or place of the rubella epidemic

Not having the risk factors above means you cannot suffer from this disease.

You should consult a doctor for more detailed information.

Medicines & Medicines

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

What are the treatment options for rubella (German measles)?

Currently, autoimmune diseases and rubella are thought to be related.

When infected with rubella, your child's body will automatically be immune and have permanent immunity to the disease.

The goal of treating German measles in children is to help relieve symptoms.

Possible treatments are:

• Plenty of rest
• Make sure the child drinks lots of fluids so that they are fulfilled

If symptoms such as fever appear, you can give fever-reducing drugs and painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.

Avoid using antibiotics or apisrin in children who have German measles.

The rash that appears can also cause itching. Ask your doctor for an itch-relieving cream that you can give.

Although there are several drugs that can be given, the Mayo Clinic website says there is no treatment that can relieve the symptoms.

That's why rubella is a condition that usually doesn't need special treatment.

Usually, the infection will go away on its own in 5 to 10 days if there are no complications.

What are the usual tests?

Rubella is a disease that is quite difficult to diagnose and the symptoms are less clear.

The doctor will diagnose from the clinical history and examination of your child's symptoms.

If you are pregnant with symptoms of German measles or are exposed to a rubella patient, there are tests that may be done.

For example, taking fluid samples from the throat, blood, and urine for examination.

Prevention

The only way to prevent rubella or German measles is by vaccination.

The rubella (German measles) vaccine is usually given when a child is 12 to 15 months of age.

Then, it will be given back when the child is 4 to 6 years old.

Care should also be taken to complete the MMR vaccine before puberty.

This is done to prevent rubella if the girl has a pregnancy at a later date.

Moreover, this vaccine should not be given to pregnant women or who are currently carrying out a pregnant program.

It will take at least one month for the vaccine before pregnancy.

As already explained a little bit that the vaccine given for prevention is the MMR vaccine.

Namely, a vaccine that is also useful for measles and mumps.

Then, if your child has German measles, make sure that he is always at home so he doesn't infect other children.

Lifestyle changes and home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done?

As already explained, rubella is usually mild and can get better on its own

Therefore, you can just care for your child at home as long as there are no complications.

Here are home remedies that can help you deal with German measles in children:

• Take the prescribed medication to reduce symptoms.
• Pay attention to body hygiene by washing hands frequently.
• Use a prescription anti-itch cream.
• Don't scratch, as this can leave marks.
• Avoid contact with other people until it gets better, especially with pregnant people.
• Monitor the child's temperature, contact the doctor if the fever is too high.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.