Rubella

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Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
1min 8sec home-news-image

What causes rubella?

Rubella is primarily caused by an infection of the rubella virus, a type of acute respiratory contagious disease. Once rubella occurs, it is transmitted through respiratory droplets, and children are more susceptible to this disease. Patients with rubella are the only source of infection. The rubella virus is transmitted through respiratory droplets and close personal contact. If pregnant women are infected with rubella, especially during the early stages of pregnancy, the virus can be transmitted to the fetus through the placenta. Rubella is caused by the rubella virus infection, but certain conditions are required such as a decrease in the body's resistance or the absence of antibodies against the rubella virus in the body, which can lead to the development of rubella. Clinically, it is usually characterized by mild fever, widespread small and unevenly sized papules across the body, and swollen lymph nodes behind the ears, on the neck, and at the base of the skull.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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What does it mean if rubella virus IgG antibodies are high before pregnancy?

Before pregnancy, it is generally necessary to undergo eugenic prenatal tests, and the rubella virus test is one of them. If the test shows that rubella virus IgG antibodies are elevated, this indicates that the patient has previously been infected with the virus or has been vaccinated against the rubella virus, and antibodies have been produced in the body, providing immunity to the virus. Therefore, when a rubella virus IgG is detected, the patient does not need to be particularly worried, as this result does not affect a normal pregnancy. Regardless of whether or not one has been vaccinated against rubella, it is advisable to avoid contact with children infected with rubella during early pregnancy to prevent contracting the rubella virus, which can affect the growth and development of the fetus.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
43sec home-news-image

Can you breastfeed with postpartum rubella?

When a mother develops rubella postpartum, she should not breastfeed her baby. This is because the rubella virus can be directly transmitted to the baby, affecting the baby's growth and development. Rubella virus is dangerous as it comes from respiratory infectious diseases. The patient is the only source of infection, mainly spreading through droplets, contact transmission, and mother-to-child transmission. Moreover, the incidence of rubella virus infection is very high in children aged five to six months, and the younger the age, the lower the body's resistance and the higher the incidence rate. Therefore, it is best for mothers to temporarily stop breastfeeding during the breastfeeding period.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
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Can you get pregnant if you test positive for rubella virus?

A positive rubella virus test requires attention as to which specific indicator is positive. If the IgM is positive, then it is certain that pregnancy should be avoided. If the IgM is negative and the IgG is positive, it indicates past infection with rubella virus. There is currently no rubella virus infection in the body, and the presence of rubella virus IgG offers protective effects, preventing the virus from infecting again. Thus, under this circumstance, pregnancy can proceed normally. Rubella is a self-limiting disease, and during an infection, pregnancy should not occur because the rubella virus can pass through the placental barrier into the fetus, potentially causing restrictions in fetal growth and development.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Is there a difference between urticaria and rubella?

Urticaria and rubella are quite different; rubella is a contagious disease caused by a viral infection, commonly seen in children. It can be transmitted through droplets and contact, and symptomatic treatment is usually adopted. In contrast, urticaria is an allergic skin disease with a still unclear and complex etiology, often treated with anti-allergy methods.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
51sec home-news-image

The impact of rubella virus on the fetus

During pregnancy, if the pregnant woman is infected with the rubella virus, the impact on the pregnant woman herself is not significant; however, it primarily causes severe effects on the fetus. The main impact on the fetus is congenital damage, primarily involving congenital developmental abnormalities, with the early stages of pregnancy being the most critical. This period is a crucial phase of fetal development. If infected with the rubella virus, the risk coefficient can be as high as 80%. After intrauterine infection of the fetus, some patients may develop congenital rubella syndrome, primarily involving cardiac defects, cataracts, deafness, and even delayed brain damage after the baby is born.

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Written by Liu Li
Pediatrics
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Can pediatric rubella be self-healing?

Children's rubella generally cannot heal on its own. Rubella in children is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by viral infection, primarily occurring in children aged 1-5 years, mostly seen in preschool children. It can occur in all four seasons, but the incidence is relatively higher in the winter and spring. Generally, this disease cannot heal on its own; it requires antiviral medication for better improvement. Without antiviral treatment, children will suffer more.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
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What does rubella virus mean?

Rubella virus is the pathogen of rubella, belonging to single-stranded positive-sense RNA viruses. Rubella virus can easily cause vertical transmission. If pregnant women are infected with rubella virus in the early stages of pregnancy, it may enter the fetus through the placental barrier, leading to stillbirth, miscarriage, or fetal deformities. The survival ability of rubella virus outside the human body is relatively weak. It is very sensitive to ultraviolet light, ether, and common disinfectants, which can generally kill the virus. After infection with rubella virus, the disease is self-limiting, and most cases can recover on their own in about two weeks, primarily through symptomatic treatment.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
49sec home-news-image

How to treat rubella virus positive?

If the test for rubella virus is positive, there are no specific antiviral drugs available. Rubella is a self-limiting disease; most patients can fully recover on their own and it usually does not recur. Generally, most people can fully recover in about two weeks. In terms of treatment and management, it primarily involves addressing any complications. For example, antipyretic and analgesic medications can be used for significant fever. Any other discomfort needs symptomatic treatment. Generally, treatment should be based on the actual condition of the patient. Most patients can fully recover and usually do not need hospital treatment, but it is necessary to ensure proper isolation since the rubella virus can be transmitted to others through the air, droplets, or respiratory routes.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
41sec home-news-image

What should you eat to recover quickly from rubella?

Rubella is a self-limiting disease, and generally, patients do not require treatment and can recover in about two weeks. However, if symptoms are significant and include fever and joint pain, it may be appropriate to consider using some antipyretic and pain-relief medications. Most patients can fully recover in about two weeks without needing hospital treatment, but appropriate isolation measures should be taken. In terms of diet, it is advisable to consume light, easily digestible food and avoid overly spicy and irritating foods. Generally, rest is recommended, and if appetite is poor, it is better to eat small, frequent meals and avoid fatigue.