Does rubella virus affect pregnancy?

Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
Updated on September 05, 2024
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A positive rubella virus infection indeed affects pregnancy, as the rubella virus can enter the fetus through the placental barrier, thereby easily leading to stillbirth, miscarriage, and fetal deformities. Therefore, if women of childbearing age are infected with the rubella virus, they should not get pregnant at this time. It is safer to wait until the condition has fully improved before attempting to conceive. In the early stages of pregnancy, if infected with the rubella virus, a decision on whether to continue the pregnancy should be made under the comprehensive assessment of an infectious disease specialist and an obstetrician/gynecologist, taking into account the actual situation for appropriate treatment and management.

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Dermatology
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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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Infectious Disease
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What department should I go to for rubella virus testing?

If testing for rubella virus, it is best to consult the Department of Infectious Diseases or the Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases. Rubella virus-specific antibody IgM can be detected through blood tests, or the virus can be isolated from the patient's nasopharyngeal secretions. For pregnant women, the presence of the rubella virus in the amniotic fluid can be examined to diagnose whether the fetus has contracted the infection. After rubella virus infection, there are no specific antiviral drugs available; treatment mainly involves symptomatic care. Rubella itself is a self-limiting disease, which usually fully recovers in about two weeks.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
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Is the rubella virus easily contagious?

Rubella virus is relatively easy to contract. It can be transmitted through airborne droplets or through contact between people, so it's best to isolate oneself during an infection. Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment for rubella; management typically involves symptomatic treatment. Many patients with mild conditions can recover completely in about two weeks without treatment. Generally, the infection does not recur, and one usually gains immunity, preventing re-infection. After recovering from rubella, there are generally no significant sequelae.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
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Symptoms of Rubella Virus Infection

After infection with the rubella virus, the disease that develops is rubella. The rubella virus can be transmitted through ordinary airborne droplets and respiratory routes, and it can also be transmitted through close contact between people. The typical clinical symptoms include fever, a rash all over the body, and swelling of the lymph nodes behind the ears and at the back of the head. The clinical symptoms are relatively mild, the course of the disease is short, and the prognosis is good. However, if a pregnant woman is infected during the early stages of pregnancy, it can lead to severe consequences such as fetal deformities. In terms of treatment, it mainly involves symptomatic treatment and rest, with most people fully recovering in about two weeks.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
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Does rubella virus require treatment?

Rubella virus generally does not have specific antiviral drugs, and treatment is mainly symptomatic. Most cases of rubella are relatively mild and many do not require treatment; full recovery usually occurs within about two weeks. For those presenting with noticeable fever and joint pain, symptomatic treatment can be provided, such as choosing some antipyretics or pain relievers. Generally, patients do not need hospital treatment. After recovery from the illness, relapse generally does not occur and one may acquire some immunity. Most patients do not have any sequelae, but pregnant women may face the risk of miscarriage or fetal malformation.