Rubella is an infectious disease caused by a virus. It usually causes a mild infection, but in pregnant women it can have serious consequences that can affect the fetus. The rubella virus is usually transmitted by airborne droplets during coughing and sneezing. Symptoms in infected people can include fever, red rashes, headache and eye irritation.
If transmitted from mother to fetus during pregnancy, rubella can cause serious congenital anomalies and developmental problems. For this reason, the rubella vaccine is usually combined with the measles and mumps vaccines and is routinely given at a young age.
What are the symptoms of rubella?
Symptoms usually appear on average 14-21 days after exposure to the rubella virus. The rash usually spreads within a few days and the healing process begins within the same period. Rubella is usually a mild disease, but it can pose a serious risk for pregnant women. It is therefore important to contact a health professional when symptoms are noticed. In addition, vaccination is an effective way to prevent the spread of rubella.
Symptoms of rubella can include:
- A pink rash may appear, starting on the face and spreading throughout the body.
- High fever can be a symptom of infection.
- Sore and irritated throat.
- Redness and irritation of the eyes.
- Severe headache may occur.
- The body may feel achy, tired and weak.
- The number of white blood cells may increase.
What Causes Rubella?
Rubella is an infection caused by the rubella virus. People usually get rubella through contact with a person infected with the virus. The virus spreads mainly through the patient's respiratory secretions. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, the virus can become airborne and infection can occur in people who breathe in droplets containing the virus.
Also, if a pregnant woman gets rubella, it can lead to serious complications, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy. Rubella infection during this period can cause congenital rubella syndrome in the unborn baby, which can lead to various congenital abnormalities and developmental problems. It is therefore important to be vaccinated against rubella during pregnancy. Vaccination is an effective method of preventing rubella infection.
How is rubella diagnosed?
The diagnosis of rubella is usually based on clinical symptoms, patient history and laboratory test results. The physician will assess the symptoms the patient is experiencing, examine the course of the disease and order laboratory tests if necessary. Rubella is usually diagnosed with blood tests to detect rubella antibodies. These tests measure the body's immune response to the virus.
The diagnosis of rubella is also supported by a doctor's assessment of clinical symptoms. Particular attention is paid to rubella-specific symptoms such as high fever, rash and swollen lymph nodes. Based on the patient's symptoms, medical history and laboratory results, the doctor diagnoses rubella and initiates the appropriate treatment.
How is rubella treated?
Treatment of rubella is usually based on symptomatic support and rest, as rubella is a viral infection and antiviral drugs are not usually used. Patients are advised to relax, drink plenty of fluids, eat a light and nutritious diet, control fever with antipyretics and appropriate treatments for symptoms. Isolation is also recommended until the person has fully recovered, because rubella is a contagious disease.
Vaccination is one of the most effective methods of preventing rubella outbreaks. Therefore, appropriate participation in vaccination programs can reduce the spread of rubella and other infectious diseases. In case of illness, it is important to seek appropriate treatment to ensure that the illness is mild and the risk of complications is reduced. The course of treatment may vary depending on the individual's health status, severity of symptoms and other factors.
What is the difference between measles and rubella?
The differences between measles and rubella are important. Measles is caused by a virus called Morbillivirus and is characterized by high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and white spots. Measles can lead to serious complications, especially otitis media, pneumonia and encephalitis. Transmission occurs through airborne droplet infection and can be prevented with the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine.
Rubella, on the other hand, is a disease triggered by the Rubella virus and is characterized by mild fever, swollen lymph nodes and a mild red rash. Rubella is usually mild, but in pregnant women it can cause serious congenital abnormalities that can affect the fetus. Transmission occurs through nasal and oral secretions and the rubella vaccine is part of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine. Vaccination is important to protect against both diseases.