Diagnosis
The rubella rash can look like many other viral rashes. So healthcare professionals most often confirm rubella with the help of lab tests. You may have a virus culture or a blood test.
These tests can find rubella antibodies in your blood. These antibodies show whether you've had a recent or past infection or a rubella vaccine.
Treatment
No treatment makes rubella infection clear up faster. And symptoms often are mild and don't need to be treated. But healthcare providers usually say to stay away from others while infected. It's most important to stay away from pregnant people.
Stay away from others as soon as you suspect rubella. Stay away until at least seven days after the rash goes away.
Support of an infant born with congenital rubella syndrome depends on how serious the infant's condition is. Children who have more than one complication may need early treatment from a team of specialists.
Self care
A person with rubella needs simple self-care measures. These include:
- Bed rest.
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) for relief from fever and aches.
Do not give children or teenagers aspirin. Aspirin has been linked to Reye's syndrome, a rare life-threatening condition, in children or teenagers who have the flu or chickenpox.
Preparing for your appointment
Before your appointment, write down questions you have. Your healthcare professional is likely to ask you questions as well, such as:
- Have you been vaccinated for rubella?
- How long have you had symptoms, such as a rash or aching joints?
- Have you been around anyone who had rubella?
- Have you traveled to other countries in recent weeks? Which countries?
- Does anything seem to make your symptoms better?
- Does anything seem to make your symptoms worse?
When you go to your appointment, tell the people at the check-in desk that you suspect an infectious disease. You and your child may be asked to wear a face mask. Or you may be shown to an exam room right away.