Rubella (german measles)

The main symptom of rubella is a spotty rash that starts on the face or behind the ears and spreads to the neck and body. The rash takes 2 to 3 weeks to appear after getting rubella. It usually lasts for a few days. Some people with rubella do not get a rash at all. The rash looks red or pink on white skin. Credit: PR. PH. FRANCESCHINI/CNRI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY https://www.sciencephoto.com/media/259748/view It can be harder to see on brown or black skin but might feel rough or bumpy. Credit: DR P. MARAZZI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY https://www.sciencephoto.com/media/259492/view You might also have lumps (swollen glands) in your neck or behind your ears. Credit: DR P. MARAZZI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY https://www.sciencephoto.com/media/259236/view Rubella can also cause: aching fingers, wrists or knees, especially in adults a high temperature coughs sneezing and a runny nose headaches a sore throat sore, red eyes

Rubella usually gets better in about a week. After getting advice from a GP, you or your child should: get plenty of rest drink lots of fluids, like water or squash take paracetamol or ibuprofen if you're uncomfortable – do not give aspirin to children under 16

Rubella spreads in coughs and sneezes. It’s infectious from 1 week before the symptoms start and for at least 5 days after the rash first appears. It can be serious for some people, so you should try to avoid spreading it to others. Do stay off nursery, school, or work for at least 5 days after the rash appears try to avoid close contact with anyone who is pregnant wash your hands often with soap and warm water use tissues when you cough or sneeze throw used tissues in the bin Don’t do not share cutlery, cups, towels, clothes, or bedding

Rubella is very rare in pregnancy. But if you get it when you're pregnant, rubella could harm your baby. It can cause: loss of the baby ( miscarriage ) serious problems after the baby is born – such as problems with their sight, hearing, heart, or brain The risk is highest if you get rubella early in pregnancy. There's not thought to be a risk to your baby if you get rubella after week 20 of your pregnancy. Urgent advice: Call your midwife, maternity unit, or GP immediately if: You're pregnant and either: you have a new rash you’ve been in close contact with someone who has rubella

The MMRV and MMR vaccines can prevent rubella. Both vaccines also protects you from measles and mumps , and the MMRV vaccine also protects you from chickenpox . The MMRV vaccine is offered to all young children in the UK. The MMR vaccine is recommended for adults and older children if they were not vaccinated when they were younger, but it's not suitable if you're pregnant. Ask at your GP surgery if you're not sure you or your child have had either of these vaccines. Your GP can vaccinate you for free on the NHS.