What is Rubella? Let's talk about it in detail!

You've probably heard of "German measles" or "three-day measles," right? That's what we call rubella in medical terms. Most of the time, it's not a big deal for young children, but for a pregnant mother, it can be a bit dangerous. It can cause serious health problems for the baby.

How does rubella develop? What are the symptoms?

Simply put, rubella is an infection caused by a virus called the Rubella virus. It mainly affects the skin and lymph nodes. Remember, this is not the same virus that causes measles, but a different virus. When someone has rubella, when they cough or sneeze, tiny droplets containing the virus are released into the air. If they breathe in that air, they can infect others.

In the past, before the rubella vaccine came along, there were major epidemics every 6 to 9 years. The most affected were children between the ages of 5 and 9. At the same time, there were many reports of children with congenital rubella. However, now, thanks to this vaccine, the incidence of rubella and congenital rubella has decreased significantly. That is a really big deal!

What exactly are the symptoms?

When a rubella infection begins, there is a low-grade fever for a day or two, and the lymph nodes behind the neck or ears may become swollen and tender. This fever is usually around 99°–100°F (37.2°–37.8°C). This is when the skin lesions begin.

Imagine, these small, pinkish-red spots start on the face and gradually spread down the body. Surprisingly, as these spots spread down, the spots on the face gradually fade away.

Often, the first thing a parent notices is the rash. Sometimes, these spots can be grouped together and look like large, uniform-colored spots. Some children scratch the rash, but after about three days, the rash will fade. After the rash fades, the skin in that area may peel off, like tiny flakes.

In addition to these symptoms, especially in young children (teens) and adults, the following may also occur:

• Headache
• Appetite
• Red, watery eyes (mild conjunctivitis - inflammation of the whites of the eyes and the lining of the eyelids)
• Runny nose or stuffy nose
• Swelling of lymph nodes elsewhere in the body
• Joint pain and swelling

However, some people may not show any symptoms even if they have rubella. It is important to remember that the disease can still be transmitted from such people.

Rubella fever usually lasts about 3 days. Swollen lymph nodes can last a week or more. Joint pain can last more than two weeks. Young children recover within a week, but adults may take longer to recover.

Is rubella contagious? How is it spread?

Yes, rubella is definitely a contagious disease. As I mentioned earlier, it is spread from person to person through droplets from the nose and throat when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can also be spread by sharing food and drinks with someone who is infected.

The most important thing is that the most contagious time for someone with rubella is from a week before and a week after the rash appears. This means that the disease can be transmitted even before symptoms appear!

Moreover, even someone who has the disease but does not have any symptoms can spread this virus to others. That is why it is very important to be careful about such diseases.

Special risks for pregnant mothers

This is the most important thing to remember when talking about rubella. If a pregnant mother gets rubella, the virus can pass through her bloodstream and infect her unborn baby. This is called Congenital Rubella Syndrome .

Babies infected with rubella at birth can develop serious health problems, such as:

• Effects on the child's development
• Effects on intelligence development
• Heart and eye disorders
• Hearing impairment
• Liver, spleen, and bone marrow problems

These babies can shed the virus in their urine and nasal and throat secretions for a year or more. This means that other people who have not been vaccinated can also contract the disease from these babies.

Can't rubella be prevented?

Absolutely! The Rubella vaccine is the best way to protect against this disease. Widespread vaccination is the only way to stop the spread of this virus and save babies from this serious condition called Congenital Rubella Syndrome.

Nowadays, rubella infections are more common in young adults who have not been vaccinated, rather than in young children. In fact, experts say that about 10% of young adults have not been vaccinated against rubella. This could be dangerous if they decide to have children one day.

Children are usually given this vaccine between 12 and 15 months of age, as the MMR vaccine ( measles, mumps, rubella). Sometimes the MMRV vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox) is also given. The next dose is given between 4 and 6 years of age. As with all vaccination schedules, there are special circumstances. For example, a child who is going abroad may be given this vaccine as early as 6 months. Talk to your doctor to find out exactly when your child should be vaccinated.

Very important: The rubella vaccine is not recommended for pregnant women or women who are planning to become pregnant within a month of receiving the vaccine. If you are thinking about having a child, make sure you are protected against rubella with a blood test or proof of vaccination. If you are not protected, get the vaccine at least one month before you become pregnant.

Pregnant women who are not protected should avoid contact with anyone who has rubella. Then, get vaccinated after the baby is born. This will protect them in future pregnancies.

How is rubella treated?

Because rubella is a viral disease, it cannot be treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics only work against bacteria. Rubella will usually clear up on its own if there are no other complications.

Rubella is usually not serious in young children. It can often be treated at home. Monitor your child's fever, and call a doctor if it is very high.

To ease your child's discomfort, you can give acetaminophen (e.g. Panadol) or ibuprofen (e.g. ibuprofen). Never give aspirin to a child with a viral infection, as it can cause a dangerous condition called Reye's syndrome .

When should I see a doctor?

If your child's illness seems to be getting worse, or if the symptoms don't seem to be getting better, talk to a doctor.

Also, if a pregnant mother comes into contact with someone who has rubella, that is, is exposed to the disease, she should see a doctor immediately.

The most important things we need to remember (Take-Home Message)

So, I hope you have understood some important points from what we have talked about rubella.

• Rubella is usually a mild illness for young children and resolves within a few days.
• However, if it occurs in a pregnant mother, it can cause serious health problems for the unborn baby. Therefore, great care should be taken.
• The best way to protect yourself from rubella is to get vaccinated. Don't forget to give your children the MMR vaccine on time.
• If you are planning to get pregnant, make sure you are protected against rubella. Otherwise, get vaccinated at least a month before you get pregnant.
• If a child has rubella, it can usually be treated at home. Reduce the fever and keep the child comfortable. However, if the illness seems to be getting worse, or if you have any concerns, see a doctor.

I hope this information is useful to you. Stay healthy!

` Rubella, German Measles, Diseases in Children, Pregnant Mother, Vaccine, Virus, Rubella, German Measles, Vaccine, Congenital Rubella Syndrome, MMR Vaccine