Facts About Rubella
Rubella is an infection that causes a rash on the skin. The infection is contagious, as the rubella virus manifests in the respiratory tract and spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The contagious phase begins from 1 week before the rash to 2 weeks after the rash disappears. One of the best things about rubella is that an infected person will have immunity to the disease for the rest of his or her life. In many cases, the symptoms are mild and are sometimes not noticeable.
It is essential for infants to be administered the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine. Failure to be vaccinated against rubella can lead to exposure to the active rubella virus. Children generally experience fewer symptoms than adults do. Fever, headaches, joint pain, running nose, and rash which begins on the face and spreads all over the body are typical symptoms of rubella. Many people do not experience any symptoms at all. In rare cases there may be bruising in certain areas of the body. Another common symptom is inflammation of the eyes which leads to them becoming extra sensitive to light.
Rubella is known to be a mild infection therefore there is no treatment necessary for this disease. A dose of acetaminophen will reduce fever. In spite of being a mild infection, rubella can cause severe defects if a mother is infected during the early stages of pregnancy. The unborn child can develop congenital rubella syndrome or CRS. The risk of any infection decreases after the 20th week of pregnancy. Congenital rubella syndrome or CRS can lead to congenital heart disease, mental retardation, deafness, cataracts, arthritis, and in some cases a miscarriage or stillbirth.
Women who are of childbearing age need to contact their physician if they are unsure whether they have been vaccinated against rubella. MMR or measles, mumps, and rubella is a combination vaccine that protects against any of these infections. Vaccination is usually given when a child is one year old with a booster dose at the age of 4 - 6. Women can have a blood test conducted to check if they have developed immunity to rubella. It is advisable that women postpone any plans for pregnancy for about a month after receiving the MMR vaccine. Those with cancer of the immune system or are undergoing radiation treatment must avoid taking the vaccine. The vaccine contains a weakened strain of the rubella virus. Men born before 1957 do not need to take the vaccine. Women born before 1957 who are sure of not getting pregnant again and have already been vaccinated in childhood need not have a repeat dose.
It is recommended that college students and medical professionals be vaccinated against the virus. Those intending to travel internationally are also advised to undergo the vaccination. The purpose of the vaccination is to develop immunity to the virus. It is always said that prevention is better than cure, and the same applies to rubella. The use of natural remedies like Indian Lilac leaves and garlic oil are recommended in order to alleviate any symptoms.
