Rubella

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.

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Rubella, or German measles, is an infection caused by a virus. The virus is spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It travels through droplets from the infected person's airway. Anyone who breathes in the droplets can become infected. The virus can also infect a person who touches an object the droplets landed on.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:

• You have a seizure.

Seek care immediately if:

• You have trouble breathing.
• You are confused.
• You have a severe headache.

Call your doctor if:

• Your rash starts to itch.
• You have joint pain and swelling, even after treatment.
• Your testicles are inflamed (males).
• You are pregnant and think you might have rubella (females).
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• GamaSTAN S/D
• immune globulin intramuscular

Medicines:

• NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions. Do not give these medicines to children younger than 6 months without direction from a healthcare provider.
• Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Manage your symptoms:

• Get more rest. Rest as much as possible until you feel better.
• Drink extra liquids. This will help prevent dehydration. Ask how much liquid you should drink each day. Healthy liquids include water, juice, and milk. Limit the amount of caffeine you drink.
• Eat a variety of healthy foods. Healthy foods include fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, beans, lean meats, and fish. This will help you feel better and give you more energy.

Prevent rubella:

• Ask your healthcare provider about the MMR vaccine. This vaccine helps protect you, your child, and others around you from measles, mumps, and rubella. Your provider will tell you how many doses you or your child needs. He or she will tell you when to get the vaccine.
• Prevent the spread of the rubella virus:
  • Wash your hands often, and after you use the bathroom or change a child's diaper. Use soap and water. Use a gel-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
  • Stay away from others, especially anyone who is pregnant or has not had the MMR vaccine. Stay home from school or work until your healthcare provider says you can return.
  • Do not share items with anyone.
  • Clean surfaces with a disinfecting cleaner.
  • Cough and sneeze into a tissue. Use the bend of your elbow if a tissue is not available.

Follow up with your doctor as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

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