Rubella is characterized by a skin rash.
Rubella is a viral disease that causes a skin rash and glandular inflammation . It is a disease caused by a virus that becomes present in the bloodstream about five days after infection, dispersing throughout the body.
Rubella, also known as rubella (with an accent on the E ), is contagious : it can be transmitted between humans by coughing or sneezing , for example. A person can also become infected by touching a contaminated surface (such as a cup or chair).
When the rubella virus reaches the blood , it attacks white blood cells. It is important to keep in mind that if a pregnant woman contracts rubella, the virus can infect the fetus and cause death by interrupting cell multiplication.
Symptoms of rubella
The characteristic symptom of rubella is the rash that generates pinkish spots on the skin of the infected person. The subject also usually suffers discomfort due to swollen glands , joint pain, headache , sore throat and fever .
Just as rubella can be fatal for the fetus, it is usually not serious in children. In adults, however, it can cause complications.
With a vaccine it is possible to acquire immunity against rubella.
The importance of vaccination
There is a vaccine that gives people immunity against rubella: it is the same vaccine (known as MMR ) that protects against mumps and measles . Those who have already contracted rubella, on the other hand, also acquire immunity (they cannot be infected again).
This vaccine, which is a truly effective and safe method for preventing this disease , is indicated for all people between one year and 15 months of age, with a second application suggested for children between 4 and 6 years old, at which doctors refer to as "reinforcement." It should be noted that in times of epidemics , vaccination campaigns do not take into account the age of the individuals.
Rubella and pregnant women
As mentioned in a previous paragraph, women of reproductive age who want to have children must take special care, since infection can put the lives of their descendants at risk . Having reached sexual maturity, women can request a blood test to check if they are immune; If they are not, then they should get vaccinated and wait a minimum of 28 days before getting pregnant .
On the other hand, it is very important to note that pregnant women should not receive the vaccine , nor should any individual who suffers from cancer, who is receiving radiation treatment, or whose immune system is affected by corticosteroids. Despite this warning, case studies in which certain women were vaccinated mid-pregnancy reported no problems in the children.
Specialists recommend going to a doctor for signs such as a severe headache or ear pain, cervical stiffness or significant vision disorders after having suffered rubella. It is worth mentioning that the protection provided by the vaccine can disappear in adulthood , although this does not happen often. The solution to such a situation is as simple as applying reinforcement; However, the real problem is that it is not normal to perform studies to control immunity against this disease, and that is why it is so important for women who want to get pregnant to do so.
The treatment
The treatment of rubella consists of giving paracetamol or another similar drug to reduce fever and minimize discomfort. In addition, doctors usually suggest isolation (so that the patient does not infect other people) and rest .
In the case of children who have been born with congenital anomalies because their mothers have suffered from the disease during pregnancy, treatments must be determined according to the particular characteristics of each one.