Difference between measles and German measles that need to be known

What are the characteristics of German measles (rubella)? Measles and rubella are two different diseases, so they have different characteristics. Here are the characteristics of German measles and some of the differences between regular measles and German measles.

German measles characteristics

When compared with measles, the characteristics of German measles (rubella) in children and adults tend to be lighter.

That is why, the symptoms that appear are usually difficult to recognize. Symptoms generally appear within 2-3 weeks of the virus invading the body.

So, once the virus enters the body, there are generally no signs indicating that a child has German measles.

The characteristics of German measles in children and adults, including:

A red rash on the face that then spreads all over the body
Mild fever
Red eye
Headache
Muscle ache
Nasal congestion
Swollen lymph nodes

Usually babies and toddlers who have never had the MMR vaccine are more susceptible to this disease. Immunization is useful for reducing viral infections that cause measles (measles), mumps (mumps), and rubella.

Vaccines are usually given to children twice. First, when the child is between 12 and 15 months old and the second when the child is between 4 and 6 years old.

A person with rubella can spread the disease to others through coughing, one week before the rash appears up to 7 days after the onset.

However, reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 25-50 percent of people infected with rubella usually do not experience a rash or any symptoms.

Even though the signs that appear are only one of the ones that have been mentioned, it is important to get your child checked by a doctor immediately.

Generally, the characteristics of German measles in children and adults are not much different. However, the severity is different for pregnant women.

Difference between measles and rubella

Measles and rubella or German measles are caused by two different viruses, but they both develop in the throat. Here are some of the differences between these two diseases:

Symptoms are felt

As previously explained, German measles has features that are not severe, such as low-grade fever

Meanwhile, for regular measles, they have high fever symptoms after being infected with the virus about 10 to 12 days later.

The fever lasts for 4-7 days. At that time there were also other complaints in the form of:

Runny nose
Red eye
Sore throat
Fever
Dry cough
Small white spots in the mouth
Skin rash with large, red patches accompanied by itching all over the body. (The rash usually appears within five days of the virus developing in the body.)

This infection generally occurs gradually over 2 to 3 weeks.

Infecting viruses

The first difference between measles and rubella is the virus. Measles is a disease caused by a virus from the paramyxovirus family.

Meanwhile, German measles, also known as rubella, is a contagious infection caused by the rubella virus.

Both of these viruses can be directly through the air or direct contact with fluids from the body of an infected person.

Both the measles and German measles viruses can live in free air for up to two hours.

Type of treatment

Before starting treatment, the doctor will first diagnose by examining the rash on the skin and other features of measles or German measles (rubella).

If it is difficult enough, the doctor may order blood tests to confirm it.

However, the type of treatment between measles and rubella is somewhat different. Some of these drugs can be recommended to relieve symptoms of measles:

Acetaminophen, to relieve fever and muscle pain.
Vitamin A supplements, to reduce the severity of the disease.
Antibiotics, if there is a bacterial infection that also attacks.
Vaccination after exposure, to prevent symptom severity.
Immune serum globulin, to prevent the symptoms from getting worse, especially given to pregnant women, babies, and people with weak immunity.

Do not give aspirin to a child or adolescent who has this condition. The reason is, even though aspirin is approved for use in children over 3 years of age, it can be dangerous.

Aspirin can cause Reye's syndrome in children, which causes swelling of the liver and brain.

Meanwhile, in German measles or rubella, there is no specific drug because the symptoms that appear are quite mild. Generally, children who suffer from German measles do not need special treatment.

Patients will only be advised to get plenty of rest at home and accompany it by taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve symptoms.

Meanwhile, pregnant women can be treated with antibodies called hyperimmune globulin to fight the development of the virus.

If the symptoms do not improve and there are other characteristics of German measles, consult your doctor again for further examination.

Disease complications

Complications from measles can be life threatening, such as pneumonia and inflammation of the brain. Other complications that may occur include:

Bronchitis
Pneumonia
Ear infection
Miscarriage or premature labor, if the woman is pregnant
Decrease in blood platelets
Blindness
Severe diarrhea

Meanwhile, in rubella, the most common complaints are arthritis in the fingers, wrists, and knees.

Usually it can happen and last for about a month. In rare cases, rubella can also lead to ear infections and inflammation of the brain.

One thing that needs attention, and maybe a significant difference in pregnant women, if German measles (rubella) attacks pregnant women, this condition can lead to congenital rubella syndrome.

Some of the problems that will occur include: