Rubella (German measles)

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goodtoknow says: Also known as rubella, thankfully not many of us get this viral infection any more since vaccinations (MMR) were introduced. It mainly happens in childhood. You get a red rash over your body with swollen glands and sometimes a fever and if you catch it whilst pregnant it can affect your unborn child. You're infectious for seven days before the rash appears, and four days after. A blood test will confirm if you have it, and recovery is normally quick. Speak to your GP if you think you may have it, but don't go to the surgery to avoid spreading it.

For a full medical explanation of the causes, symptoms and treatments of German measles from patient.co.uk, read on.

Rubella is an infection caused by the rubella virus. It occurs most commonly in young children, but can affect anyone. The illness is usually mild. But, rubella in a pregnant woman can cause serious damage to the unborn child. Immunisation has made rubella uncommon in the UK.

What are the symptoms of rubella?

No symptoms may occur when you are infected with rubella. This is called a 'sub-clinical infection'. If symptoms do develop, they include the following.

Swollen glands, usually behind the ears and at the back of the neck. Sometimes glands in other parts of the body swell. The glands gradually go back to normal over a week or so.
A spotty, pink-red rash develops anytime up to seven days after the glands swell. The rash usually starts on the face, and then spreads to the rest of the body. The rash lasts 1-5 days before fading.
A mild fever, cold, cough, and sore throat are common
Sore red eyes (conjunctivitis) may develop for a few days.
Joint pains, like a mild arthritis, may develop for a week or so. This is uncommon in children, but is quite common in adults with rubella.

Bleeding disorders and brain inflammation (encephalitis) are rare complications.