Best Ways To Get Rid Of German Measles

German Measles is a viral infection caused by Rubella virus. This illness is a mild condition, but it may cause serious problems, especially when it's acquired by a pregnant woman. Here are some things you should know about the disease.

Causes

Contact with the respiratory secretions of an infected person.

Congenital rubella syndrome occurs when a pregnant woman acquires this condition during her pregnancy. The virus is transferred to the fetus through the bloodstream.

Risk Factors

Those at high risk of getting this illness are people who have not been vaccinated against the virus.

Symptoms

There is a 2 -3 weeks incubation period before a patient starts to show symptoms of the disease. A person is contagious a week before symptoms appear and about 2 weeks after the symptoms have subsided.

Mild fever of 38.9° C (102° F) or lower.

Rashes that would start to appear first on your face, then your trunk and extremities.The rashes would subside the same pattern that it has appeared. You'll notice white flakes on your skin as the rashes begin to clear up.

Runny Nose

Swollen lymph nodes at the nape and at the back of the ears.

Pains on the joints

Conjunctivitis

Loss of appetite

Treatments

You'll need to undergo a blood test or viral culture to determine the cause of your illness. Once it has been determined that what you have is German Measles, you'll be required to follow treatments and take medications.

Isolation

Since you'll be contagious well after the disappearance of your symptoms, you need to be isolated from other people to prevent the virus from spreading. You also need to avoid people who have weak immune systems. They can easily acquire the disease and may not be healthy enough to fight off the virus.

Rest and Constant Monitoring

Your temperature would need to be constantly checked to avoid your mild fever to lead to hyperpyrexia.

Rest is important to prevent unnecessary fatigue and stress.

You may take acetaminophen or ibuprofen for your fever and aches. Be sure to consult your doctor before taking any over the counter medications.

Avoid giving aspirin to very young children. This medication may cause a condition known as Reye's syndrome. This disease usually occurs after a viral infection. The child may look like he's recovering from his viral condition, until the symptoms of Reye's syndrome appear.

MMR Vaccine

Aside from staying away from contagious individuals, you can avoid acquiring this disease by having yourself vaccinated. The vaccine is designed to prevent 3 types of illnesses. They are Measles, Mumps and Rubella.

Target Population

MMR is part of your childhood immunization schedule. Infants are required to get their initial shots on their 12th month, but they can get it as late as 15 months. From 0 months to 12 months, infants are protected from diseases by the immune globulins transferred to them by their mothers during pregnancy. If your infant needs to have his shot before 12 months, it has been said that you can have your infant vaccinated as early as 6 months.

Children entering preschool are advised to get their booster shots before the school starts. The booster shot can be given anytime between the ages of 4 and 6 years.

Adults may have their blood tested to check if they are immune to the disease or not. Those who have not been vaccinated during childhood would need to get themselves vaccinated.

Side Effects

Before letting your child have the vaccine, it's important for you to know some of its side effects to be prepared for the management of these conditions.

Mild Side Effects:

Fever
Rash
Joint pains

Serious Side Effects:

Severe allergic reactions
Seizure

Contraindications

If you or your child has any one of these conditions, it might be wiser to reschedule having the vaccine at another time. Consult your doctor for further guidelines.

Allergy to the vaccine or any component of the vaccine.

Suppressed immune system due to drug therapy, radiation therapy or illnesses.

Pregnancy or plans of getting pregnant within a month after vaccination.

Congenital Rubella Syndrome

It's very dangerous for a pregnant woman to acquire this condition during her pregnancy. If you're pregnant and acquired German Measles during the first trimester or at the late part of your pregnancy, your child may have the following conditions:

Growth and mental retardation

Cataract

Hearing problems

Congenital Heart Disease (CHD)

German Measles is said to be just a benign condition that, without complications, would heal on its own. Even then, we have to be careful to avoid getting German Measles. Immunization is our best shield against this illness. Lets all be responsible and healthy individuals. Get yourself and your children vaccinated. A few dollars spent on vaccines are better than a few hundreds you'll be paying for hospitalization.