Does the blood test for rubella virus require fasting?

Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
Updated on September 12, 2024
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During the examination for rubella, blood can be drawn to test for rubella virus-specific antibodies IgG and IgM. It is best to conduct these tests on an empty stomach as fasting results are more accurate. Additionally, rubella virus can be isolated from some of the nasal secretions of the patient, though this test is more expensive and less commonly used. Rubella is a self-limiting disease; if IgM is found positive through rubella antibody testing, rubella can be confirmed and symptomatic treatment should be administered. There is no specific antiviral medication for the rubella virus.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
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Can you get pregnant if you test positive for rubella virus?

A positive rubella virus test requires attention as to which specific indicator is positive. If the IgM is positive, then it is certain that pregnancy should be avoided. If the IgM is negative and the IgG is positive, it indicates past infection with rubella virus. There is currently no rubella virus infection in the body, and the presence of rubella virus IgG offers protective effects, preventing the virus from infecting again. Thus, under this circumstance, pregnancy can proceed normally. Rubella is a self-limiting disease, and during an infection, pregnancy should not occur because the rubella virus can pass through the placental barrier into the fetus, potentially causing restrictions in fetal growth and development.

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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 a skin disease?

Rubella is an infectious disease that should be treated in the departments of Infectious Diseases rather than Dermatology. It is caused by the rubella virus and its typical clinical symptoms include fever, a rash all over the body, and swollen lymph nodes behind the ears and neck. Generally, the symptoms are mild and the course of the disease is short, with most patients having a good prognosis. However, if a pregnant woman is infected with rubella early in her pregnancy, it can severely affect the fetus, even causing congenital deformities or developmental delays. Rubella is a self-limiting disease, and currently, there is no specific medicine for rubella virus infection.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
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Rubella Virus Infection Treatment Methods

Rubella is actually an acute self-limiting disease. There are no specific antiviral drugs after infection with the rubella virus; treatment is primarily symptomatic. Most cases of rubella recover completely within about two weeks. If there is significant fever or severe joint pain, symptomatic treatment can be administered, such as using antipyretics and pain relievers. Generally, hospitalization is not necessary for patients. Rubella is a self-limiting disease and most can recover completely. Generally, it does not recur. After infection, a certain degree of immunity is acquired, but it can still be re-infected in the future. However, symptoms in subsequent infections are usually mild, and many have no symptoms at all.

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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.