What is rubella?
Rubella is an acute respiratory infection caused by rubella virus infection. Rubella is highly contagious and occurs in winter and spring. People with rubella usually have a mild illness and, rarely, severe symptoms.
How is rubella classified/classified/staged?
Depending on the cause of the disease, rubella can be divided into acquired rubella, which is caused by infection by others by other means (e.g., respiration, close contact, etc.), and congenital rubella syndrome, which is caused by fetal infection in a mother infected with rubella virus. For patients, different types of infection mean that the cause, manifestation, and outcome of treatment are different.
What parts or organs will be affected?
Rubella is a systemic disease, mainly affecting the respiratory system and skin, but also affecting the lymphatic system, bone joints, ocular conjunctiva, and in severe cases, it can be complicated by neurological and cardiovascular complications.
What is the source of infection and how it is transmitted?
Source of infection: People with rubella, including those with latent infection (people who do not develop the disease after being infected with the virus). Mode of transmission: Respiratory transmission and close contact can also be transmitted from mother to child.
Can it be cured, and will it recur?
Acquired rubella can be cured. Children with congenital rubella syndrome may have birth defects and congenital malformations that cannot be completely cured. In general, rubella infection gives you lifelong immunity to the rubella virus and does not recur. Relapse may occur when the patient suffers from an immune system disorder and is extremely weak.
What are the common symptoms?
Acquired rubella:
Incubation period: about 2~3 weeks after exposure to the source of infection, the patient has no abnormal manifestations.
Prodromal phase: lasts about 2 days. Adults mainly present with systemic symptoms such as fever, headache, and general weakness, and the body temperature fluctuates between 37.3~39 degrees Celsius. In addition, there may be other manifestations: it may be accompanied by upper respiratory tract symptoms such as dry cough, sneezing, runny nose, and sore throat. The conjunctiva of the eye is hyperemic, red and swollen. Some people may also have diarrhea, vomiting food from the stomach, nosebleeds, etc. Parents who observe the child or the patient may observe themselves may find a hemorrhagic rash in the pharynx that is subcutaneous and appears as a rose-red or red lump. Swollen and painful lymph nodes above the neck, small induration can be felt behind the ears, neck, and occipital area, and it is painful to touch.
Eruption stage: Main manifestations: Patients in this stage mainly present with rash, which mostly appears after 1~2 days of fever. Characteristics of the rash: It first appears on the head and face, and then quickly spreads to the trunk and limbs, but there is generally no rash on the palms and soles of the feet. The rash is about 2~3 mm in diameter, accompanied by itching, and is a scattered red maculopapular rash on the surface of the protruding skin, which can also be densely distributed and appears as a large patch of skin redness. The rash usually subsides on its own after 2~3 days, and if the skin is not scratched, the rash will subside without leaving a trace.
Congenital rubella syndrome
Severe conditions: Pregnant women infected with rubella can directly lead to fetal death and premature birth. Mild symptoms: Pregnant women infected with rubella can cause fetal malformations, intellectual disability, visual impairment, congenital heart disease, etc. Some abnormalities can be detected at birth, while others need to be discovered gradually during the child's growth and development.
What are the treatments for rubella?
1. Antipyretics
Objective: To reduce the patient's body temperature and improve pain symptoms. Commonly used drugs: acetaminophen, ibuprofen, etc.
2. Cough suppressants
Objective: To improve the cough symptoms of patients. Commonly used drugs: dextromethorphan, etc.
3. Antidiarrheal drugs
Objective: To improve the symptoms of diarrhea in patients with severe diarrhea. Commonly used drugs: montmorillonite powder, etc.
3. Other treatments
Home treatment: Once diagnosed, isolate at home until 5 days after the rash resolves. When patients are isolated at home, drinking enough water can not only prevent dehydration, but also reduce the discomfort caused by coughing. Get plenty of rest: The goal is to relieve symptoms and promote improvement. Treatment for pregnant women infected with rubella virus: the aim is to prevent congenital rubella syndrome. When a pregnant woman is infected with the rubella virus, the doctor will examine and evaluate the fetus, and based on the results of the examination and evaluation, the next treatment plan will be guided.
Editor: Li Juan and Ma Bin
Editor-in-chief: Qin Xia Editor-in-charge: Fan Haidong
Director: Chen Keyi Producer: Ji Ping