Rubella (German Measles)

Home Treatment

Home treatment for rubella includes drinking extra fluids so you do not become dehydrated and getting plenty of rest. Acetaminophen, such as Tylenol, may help relieve fever and body aches. Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than 20 because of the possible link between aspirin and Reye's syndrome.

You are at risk of developing rubella if you have not been immunized or have not had the illness. For this reason, people with rubella should avoid others who are susceptible to the virus.

Children, teens, and adults with rubella should not attend day care, school, or work or be around other people, especially pregnant women, for 7 days after the rash first appears.¹

Prevention

An immunization to prevent rubella is available. It is given in combination with the measles (rubeola) and mumps vaccines in a single shot called an MMR(What is a PDF document?). Two doses of the vaccine are given at least 4 weeks apart. The first shot is given when a child is between 12 and 15 months old, and the second is given when a child is between 4 and 6 years of age or no later than age 11 to 12.

Teens and adults who should be given the MMR vaccine include:

• People who were born after 1956 who have not received the MMR vaccine.
• Health care workers.
• College students and international travelers who do not have proof of immunization or immunity.

The MMR vaccine is given in two doses with at least 4 weeks between doses.

If you are planning to become pregnant and are uncertain of your immunity to rubella, you should have a blood test to determine whether you are immune or susceptible. In some states, a blood test is required for a marriage license to see whether the woman is immune to rubella. If she is not immune, she is advised to take the vaccine and wait at least 1 month before trying to conceive. If it so happens that you are immunized during early pregnancy before you know that you are pregnant, the risk to your fetus is very low. The important thing is to seek prenatal care.

Some parents are concerned that the MMR vaccine causes autism. Research in Europe, Canada, and the United States has shown no link between the MMR vaccine and autism.⁵

For more information on the standard immunization schedule, see the topic Immunizations.

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Author:	Amy Fackler, MA Debby Golonka, MPH	Last Updated: October 2, 2006
Medical Review:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics W. David Colby IV, MSc, MD, FRCPC - Infectious Disease
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