Rubella Prophylaxis

Rubella General Information

Rubella is a common medical condition that is synonym to “3-day measles” and “German measles”. However, this medical disorder is very different from any type of rubeola (measles). Although these two clinical illnesses happen to share some of their main characteristics, different pathogens (viruses) are known to trigger these disorders.

This medical condition is known to be a highly contagious viral infectious disease. The distinctive characteristic of this disorder is the developing of an unpleasant red rash. The presence of Rubella is not as severe as that of measles; however, if a pregnant female becomes infected with this clinical disorder, severe consequences may arise (among which: dangerous birth defects, death of the developing fetus, and so on).

It is quite common for this disorder to trigger extremely mild symptoms (very difficult to notice, especially in the case of young children). The most common clinical manifestations of this disease are known to last for 3 days; they include: mild fever, runny nose, headache, stuffy nose, red eyes, inflamed eyes, tender lymph nodes, enlarged lymph nodes, a pink rash, aching joints, and so on.

Rubella Prophylaxis

The vaccine against this medical condition is generally prescribed as a complex inoculation that is also effective against mumps and measles. This type of inoculation is commonly called the MMR vaccine and it is known to contain the most effective form of each vaccine and also the safest immunization option against each of the 3 medical disorders. For this reason, the vaccine against “German measles” is one of the main Rubella Prophylaxis procedures. Physicians widely recommend that a child should receive his or her vaccine when he or she is approximately one year old (but not later than 15 months old). The second administration of the vaccine should occur when the individual is between 4 and 6 years old. Female individuals are those who ought to take Rubella Prophylaxis most seriously, and the ones who should receive their vaccine no matter what (in order to avoid experiencing this condition during a potential pregnancy) in case they have not been already immunized.

Studies have shown that most babies are protected against this medical disorder during their first months after birth (about 8 months) as they receive certain immunity from their mothers. If a baby who has not yet received the first shot of the vaccine requires immediate immunization against this viral medical disorder, you should discuss with your pediatrician in what way that protection may be granted (for example, a special form / dose of the MMR vaccine may be administered if the baby is older than 6 months).

Although the MMR vaccine is the most effective Rubella Prophylaxis option, not all individuals may be administered the immunization solution. For example, for patients who have been diagnosed with any type of blood disorder, cancer or any other condition that is known to lower your organism’s ability to fight away infections (your body’s immune system) you may not be allowed to be administered the MMR vaccine. Your personal health care provider will give you further details regarding this aspect. He or she will also present you the other prophylactic alternatives that you may employ.

Although the MMR vaccine is the best way in which you can avoid experiencing this unpleasant medical condition, the administration of this immunization solution may trigger a set of adverse reactions. Although most patients did not develop any side effects that may have been associated with the administration of the MMR vaccine, 15% of all individuals who have undergone this Rubella Prophylaxis method experienced fever about 2 weeks after the vaccine. 5% of such individuals also presented a mild rash. Other side effects that may be associated with the presence of this medical condition include temporary joint stiffness and / or joint pain.

Rubella Treatment

Although various studies have been made regarding this matter, scientists have not yet been able to determine any type of therapy option that may shorten the course of this viral medical condition (Rubella). As the common symptoms of this clinical disorder are very mild, no therapy is generally necessary. However, individuals who are diagnosed with the presence of this clinical illness are recommended to avoid direct contact with other individuals (especially pregnant women) in order to prevent the transmission of the infectious disorder.

If a pregnant female unfortunately contracts the presence of this medical condition, she should immediately seek professional medical attention. If she wishes to continue with her current pregnancy, a therapy with hyper-immune globulin may be recommended in order to aid her immune system fight off the infection. Although this is known to reduce the symptoms of this medical condition (Rubella), it does not eliminate the possibility of the baby being severely affected by this disorder. You should discuss with your personal health care provider the risks and benefits of every option that you have in such circumstances. Immediate hospitalization may be required. For further professional information regarding the most effective therapy options against “German measles” we strongly recommend you to seek the assistance of your health care provider.