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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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.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
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Rubella is caused by the rubella virus.

Measles is a contagious disease, mainly caused by infection with the rubella virus. Rubella can be transmitted through the air, droplets, and respiratory paths, and can also be spread by ordinary contact between people. There are large amounts of rubella virus in the saliva of patients with rubella, and when they talk, cough, or sneeze, droplets carrying the virus are produced. People with low immunity who inhale these droplets can become infected. Rubella is an acute self-limiting disease, and currently, there are no specific antiviral drugs available. Many patients can fully recover 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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How is the rubella virus transmitted?

Rubella virus can be transmitted through airborne respiratory droplets, as well as through common contact between individuals, and can also spread through mother-to-infant contact and vertical transmission from mother to infant. The saliva of rubella patients contains a large number of rubella viruses, and airborne droplets carrying the virus can be produced when talking, coughing, or sneezing. People with low immunity who inhale these droplets can then develop the disease. Rubella is an acute self-limiting disease. Diagnosis requires a comprehensive assessment of the patient's clinical symptoms and blood tests for rubella-specific antibodies. Once a definite diagnosis is made, symptomatic treatment should be administered.

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

If the rubella virus is positive, it is contagious and can be transmitted through general airborne droplets and respiratory routes, as well as through general contact. Patients with rubella or carriers of the rubella virus are the main sources of infection. The incubation period for rubella is generally around two weeks, after which symptoms may appear. Rubella is a self-limiting disease, and there are no specific antiviral drugs available, so symptomatic treatment is generally required. For mild cases, isolation at home is typically sufficient; however, severe cases may require hospitalization and mainly symptomatic treatment. If there is significant fever, antipyretic analgesics may be used for management.