Rubella (german measles)

The main symptom of rubella is a spotty rash that starts on the face or behind the ears and spreads to the neck and body.

The rash takes 2 to 3 weeks to appear after getting rubella. It usually lasts for a few days.

Some people with rubella do not get a rash at all.

The rash looks red or pink on white skin.

It can be harder to see on brown or black skin but might feel rough or bumpy.

You might also have lumps (swollen glands) in your neck or behind your ears.

Rubella can also cause:

• aching fingers, wrists or knees, especially in adults
• a high temperature
• coughs
• sneezing and a runny nose
• headaches
• a sore throat
• sore, red eyes

• you or your child have symptoms of rubella

Rubella can spread to others. It's best to call before you go in. The GP may suggest talking over the phone.

Rubella usually gets better in about a week.

After getting advice from a GP, you or your child should:

• get plenty of rest
• drink lots of fluids, like water or squash
• take paracetamol or ibuprofen if you're uncomfortable – do not give aspirin to children under 16

Rubella spreads in coughs and sneezes.

It’s infectious from 1 week before the symptoms start and for at least 5 days after the rash first appears.

It can be serious for some people, so you should try to avoid spreading it to others.

• stay off nursery, school, or work for at least 5 days after the rash appears

• try to avoid close contact with anyone who is pregnant

• wash your hands often with soap and warm water

• use tissues when you cough or sneeze

• throw used tissues in the bin

• do not share cutlery, cups, towels, clothes, or bedding

Rubella is very rare in pregnancy. But if you get it when you're pregnant, rubella could harm your baby.

It can cause:

• loss of the baby (miscarriage)
• serious problems after the baby is born – such as problems with their sight, hearing, heart, or brain

The risk is highest if you get rubella early in pregnancy.

There's not thought to be a risk to your baby if you get rubella after week 20 of your pregnancy.

You're pregnant and either:

• you have a new rash
• you’ve been in close contact with someone who has rubella

The MMRV and MMR vaccines can prevent rubella. Both vaccines also protects you from measles and mumps, and the MMRV vaccine also protects you from chickenpox.

The MMRV vaccine is offered to all young children in the UK. The MMR vaccine is recommended for adults and older children if they were not vaccinated when they were younger, but it's not suitable if you're pregnant.

Ask at your GP surgery if you're not sure you or your child have had either of these vaccines. Your GP can vaccinate you for free on the NHS.

Symptoms of rubella include a spotty rash that feels rough, with swollen glands in your neck, aching fingers, wrists, or knees and a high temperature.

Rubella usually gets better in about a week. Stay at home, get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids until you're feeling better.

Rubella can be serious if you catch it while you’re pregnant. It can harm your baby and can sometimes cause a miscarriage.

The MMRV or MMR vaccine can protect against rubella. The MMRV vaccine is offered on the NHS to all children in the UK.