Sometimes, when a small child's body turns red, their eyes turn red, or they develop a slight fever, mothers get very scared, don't they? Is this measles? Or is it some other serious illness? One thing comes to mind after another. Today we are talking about
a disease that shows symptoms like these, but is usually not very dangerous for small children, but a pregnant mother should definitely be concerned about. That is rubella.
What exactly is Rubella?
Simply put, rubella is a viral infection. Some people also call it "German measles." The most common symptoms are a rash, fever, and red eyes. Most often, when this disease occurs in young children, it is not very serious. It will heal in a few days. However, the most important thing we all need to be aware of is that
if a mother contracts this disease during pregnancy, the baby in the womb can suffer very serious damage, and even be life-threatening . The best and only way to protect yourself and your children from this disease is to get
the MMR vaccine for measles, mumps, and rubella on time.
Some people confuse rubella with measles. Although both are viral diseases that infect the body, rubella's symptoms are much milder than measles'. It also doesn't spread as quickly as measles.
What are the symptoms of rubella?
Many children with rubella recover without any symptoms. However, if symptoms do occur, the first sign is a rash with pink or red spots. The rash starts on the face and then spreads over the entire body. The rash usually lasts about three days and then disappears. This is why it is called "3-day measles." In addition to the rash, you may also experience the following symptoms:
| Symptom | Description |
|---|
| Slight fever | A slight fever (around 99°F - 100°F) that can be felt when you touch your forehead. |
| Redness of the eyes | The eyes may become red and swollen (conjunctivitis). |
| Swollen ankle | Swelling of the glands (glands) on the back of the neck and on either side of the ears is a common symptom. |
| Cold | Runny nose, stuffy nose, and cough. |
| Joint pain | This is commonly seen among young women. |
How is rubella caused and transmitted?
Rubella is a contagious disease caused by a virus. It is spread through droplets that are released into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. You can also get the disease by touching a surface that has these droplets on it and then touching your nose, mouth, or eyes. Most importantly, you can spread the disease to others
for up to a week after you are sick. Some people can get the disease without showing any symptoms and recover, so they can spread the disease to others without even knowing it. If a doctor confirms that you have rubella, it is very important to tell anyone you have been in contact with,
especially if you are pregnant .
Pregnancy and rubella - where we need to be especially careful!
This is where we want to focus the most in this article. If a pregnant mother contracts rubella, especially
in the first trimester , it can have very serious consequences for the unborn child.
- Miscarriage or stillbirth.
- A child is born with severe disabilities. We call this condition Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) .
Problems that can occur due to congenital rubella syndrome (CRS):
Therefore, if you are expecting a child, it is imperative to make sure that you have received the MMR vaccine. Doctors advise avoiding pregnancy for at least a month after receiving the vaccine. You cannot get the MMR vaccine if you are already pregnant.
What are the treatments for rubella?
This is a viral infection and
antibiotics are not effective. In most cases, it is mild in young children and does not require special treatment. Getting plenty of rest and drinking plenty of fluids is enough. For fever and body aches, you can take painkillers such as Paracetamol or Ibuprofen, as advised by your doctor.
Important: Aspirin should never be given to children or young people under 18 years of age. This can cause a rare but serious condition called Reye's syndrome, which can damage the brain and liver. If you are pregnant and suspect you have rubella,
see your doctor immediately . In some cases, your doctor may decide to give you an antibody injection called hyperimmune globulin, which helps fight the virus.
How to protect yourself from rubella? - The importance of vaccination
The best, simplest, and most effective way to protect against rubella is to get
the MMR vaccine . According to Sri Lanka's National Immunization Program, every child is given two doses of the MMR vaccine.
- First dose - at 9 months
- Second dose - at 3 years of age
This vaccine provides lifelong protection against rubella. If you are a mother who has been vaccinated, your baby will also receive some protection from the immunity you receive for 6-8 months after birth.
Take-Home Message
- Rubella is a viral infection. Although it is usually mild in young children, it can be very dangerous for the unborn child if a pregnant mother contracts it.
- The main symptoms are a red rash that starts on the face and spreads throughout the body, a slight fever, and a swollen neck .
- The best way to protect yourself from this is to get the MMR vaccine on time.
- If you are expecting a baby, make sure you have received the MMR vaccine. If in doubt, talk to your doctor.
- If you suspect that you or your child has symptoms of rubella, especially if you are pregnant, seek medical advice immediately.
Rubella, MMR vaccine, pregnancy, children's diseases, symptoms, infections
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