The Facts About Rubella
The rubella virus is often mistaken as the same virus that causes measles. However, rubella is a strain from the Togoviridae family of viruses, and is commonly known as German measles. The most common symptoms are rash and fever in children and adults, which lasts for a maximum of 3 days. The virus spreads through coughing or sneezing and is contagious. Even though rubella causes a mild infection, it can cause complications in pregnant women where children can be born with serious birth defects.
While symptoms may last for 3 days, the incubation period lasts from a week before infection to a fortnight after. Almost 50 % of rubella cases are asymptomatic. The most contagious phase is when the rash erupts, but can last up to a week after the rash disappears. Along with rash and fever, most patients experience swelling of the lymph nodes, fatigue, and red eyes that are sensitive to any kind of light. In extremely rare cases, the symptoms include inflammation of the nerves and encephalitis. Most women experience joint pain. The infection can play havoc in pregnant women by passing through the placenta to the unborn child causing birth defects known as congenital rubella syndrome. The virus is most deadly in the first trimester. The syndrome can lead to heart defects, mental retardation, movement disorders, and more.
A person can determine whether he or she is immune to rubella through a blood test. Women who are planning their pregnancy are advised to take the test. In case of the need for vaccination, women are advised to postpone their pregnancy by more than a month after receiving the vaccination. The vaccine is a combination of measles, mumps, and rubella and is commonly known as MMR. It is essential for families to have their children vaccinated according to schedule. The MMR vaccine contains a weak strain of the rubella virus, which when administered to humans can prevent rubella. The vaccine was the center of a controversy and was said to be associated with autism, however, these theories were found to be baseless. The first dose of the MMR vaccine needs to be administered to infants between 12 and 15 months, with a booster dose around the age of 4 - 6 years. There are not many side effects associated with the vaccine except for mild rash, fever, and swelling of the lymph nodes after the vaccination.
There is no treatment needed for rubella except for paracetamol for pain and fever that may occur. There are several natural methods of treatment to alleviate any symptoms. Indian Lilac leaves are antiseptic in nature. They help prevent spread of the infection and keeps the air fresh when placed in an infected person's room. Garlic oil can be applied where the rash occurs in order to prevent it from spreading. Tonics like ginseng can be given to improve resistance and strength to any infections. A diet rich in copper is recommended, which can be found in cereals, almonds, mushrooms, oysters, sheep livers, nuts, plums, and more. It is advisable to drink plenty of liquids along with bed rest during the infection. This will prevent others from being infected since rubella is contagious.
