Rubella - Signs And Symptoms
Rubella, popularly known as German measles is a disease caused by a virus that infects the skin and lymph nodes. It is also known as the three-day measles. Cases of Rubella can be mild and can even be unnoticeable at times, which is why the virus may be hard to diagnose at times. The virus enters the body through the nose or throat and affects people of all ages, making it highly contagious. Children tend to recover faster from the virus as compared to adults since the immune system is more active in children. Rubella can spread from one individual to another through tiny droplets in the air. The virus manifests in the respiratory tract is breathes out droplets during respiration. Pregnant women can also spread the infection to their baby through the bloodstream and the placenta. The incubation period is about two to three weeks.
The most common symptoms of rubella when it is noticeable include swollen lymph nodes or glands, swelling and pain in the joints, and inflammation of the eyes. Many experience flaky dry skin and pain in the groins. Since the virus manifests in the respiratory system, nasal congestion is also common. Frequent headaches, fever, and loss of appetite are also experienced in most cases. Rubella causes a rash that develops on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. Most people tend to feel tired, irritable, and have an aversion to light. Spring and winter are the main seasons in which the virus tends to spread.
Several precautions need to be taken if a pregnant woman is infected with the virus since it could pose a risk to the unborn child. Congenital rubella syndrome or CRS is a severe birth defect that can occur in the first quarter. These defects include cataracts, heart disease, and impaired hearing. In order to prevent this the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine is administered to infants. The vaccination helps to combat the spread of the disease and prevent birth defects. The Rubella vaccination may cause minor discomfort to the child, which can be treated with acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Fever usually accompanies the disease; therefore, children need to be given plenty of water in order to avoid dehydration. Aspirin should never be given to children who have been infected by the virus. A few herbal ingredients can be used to alleviate measles. Among them is Neem leaves, which can be placed in the room of the infected person. It acts as an antiseptic and prevents any spread of the infection. Another effective natural remedy is Garlic oil which prevents the infection from spreading when applied to any infected area. Ginseng can be taken as a tonic in order to improve resistance to infections and increase stamina. Other effective natural remedies include eucalyptus and thyme which have powerful antiseptic and anti-inflammatory abilities. Consumption of food such as almonds, cocoa, cereals, and almond is recommended. A diet that includes mushrooms, oysters, sheep liver, dry fruits, nuts, and plums is ideal for a patient with Rubella.
