Rubella is a form of viral infection that can cause red-colored rash to form on the body. It is highly contagious, and it can easily spread from person to person just like the common cold and flu. In the Unites States, rubella has become really rare since the introduction of the rubella vaccine back in the late 1960s. However, it is still very common in many other places on the planet. By the way, rubella is also sometimes referred to as German measles.

Even though it sounds really serious because of the fact that it can quickly spread around, the truth is rubella is regarded as a mild viral infection only. In fact, it can go away on its own without treatment. However, pregnant women who are infected with rubella should immediately seek medical attention as the viral infection can cause birth defects.

If you like to know more about rubella, keep on reading. Below you will come across some of the most important things about it such as its cause, signs and symptoms, and treatment. Get your family and friends introduced to rubella, too, by reposting this article afterwards.

Cause

The one to blame for rubella is a virus having the same name. The rubella virus can get from one person to the other by means of droplets. This means that you can end up with the infection if someone who has rubella sneezes or coughs right in front of you.

Similarly, you may easily end up with rubella if you touch surfaces or objects with contaminated droplets from infected individuals and then you touch your nose, mouth and eyes afterwards. According to health professionals, you can also end up with rubella if you share food and drinks with someone who suffers from it.

As you can see, rubella is quickly spread just like the common cold and flu. After all, all of these types of infections are all brought about by viruses, although different kinds.

Signs and Symptoms

There are people who suffer from rubella and not know it because the signs and symptoms tend to be very mild. When signs and symptoms are present, they usually show up 2 to 3 weeks after being exposed to the rubella virus.

Rubella produces signs and symptoms that are similar to the ones encountered by those who have the common cold or flu. They include headaches, muscle pain, runny or stuffy nose, swollen lymph nodes and mild fever. However, rubella also tends to cause inflamed eyes and reddish or pinkish rash that initially shows up on the face but then eventually spreads to the rest of the body.

All of these signs and symptoms tend to last for about a week only. Experts say that infected people are at their most contagious 1 week before the rash appears and until 2 weeks after it disappears.

Treatment

Luckily, most cases of rubella can be managed at home. This means that there is no need for you to seek medical attention if you are infected, although it is a good idea to pay your doctor a visit if you suspect you have rubella for confirmation purposes.

Having lots of rest and taking plenty of water are recommended. Acetaminophen may be taken in order to deal with fever and body aches and pains. Basically, it is the person’s very own immune system that will deal with the rubella virus.

It’s a completely different story, however, for a pregnant woman. She should seek medical attention right away in order to receive treatment necessary to save the growing baby in her womb from having birth defects brought about by the infection.