Manifestations of rubella in children. How does rubella appear and look like in children in the photo? Atypical forms of rubella

Rubella is a common disease that is very common in children aged 2 to 9 years. The rubella virus, which causes the disease, is very dangerous for the body, so every parent should be aware of initial signs rubella in children.

This disease is dangerous because it is transmitted by airborne droplets. That is, you can become infected simply by talking to an infected person or by holding objects that the patient had previously held in their hands. Rubella can affect not only children, but also adults. However, in more adulthood it proceeds, as a rule, with complications and is very difficult for a person to tolerate.

Rubella brings the greatest threat to pregnant women, because there is a significant risk that the child, infected through the mother, can either die in the womb or be born with severe birth defects and deviations.

A distinctive feature of rubella is that the patient may not be aware of the presence of the disease, calmly walk down the street and communicate with people. If the virus has entered the body, it begins to manifest itself only after 5-10 days. That is why in kindergartens not one child begins to get sick, but almost everyone who was with the patient in the same group.

Rubella skin rash lasts for several days, gradually disappearing without special treatment

Symptoms

As mentioned above, getting into the body, the virus does not manifest itself in any way for several days. It is his incubation period, after which the first signs of the disease begin to appear.

Initially, the child has a strong headache and sore throat. Also, he can experience all the symptoms of a common cold - a runny nose, dry cough, weakness and fever.

The first signs of rubella also manifest themselves in the form of an increase in the lymph nodes under the jaw, conjunctivitis, nausea and vomiting. As a result, the child becomes capricious, refuses to eat and drink, as he feels a severe sore throat.

Then a red rash begins to appear. It occurs on the face, behind the ears and in the occipital region, and then spreads throughout the body, including in oral cavity. The rash as such does not bring discomfort to the child. She doesn't itch or hurt. Only one of her appearances scares children, because after 2-3 days after the appearance, she begins to merge and form large red plaques all over her body. At this point, body temperature can rise to 38–40 °C.

However, after a few days, the rash begins to fade and gradually disappear. As a rule, already after 7-10 days there is no trace of it on the body, and the child ceases to be contagious, he can be taken to school or kindergarten without fear that other children will become infected from him.

For a child with a strong immune defense, rubella is practically safe. And for children with poor health, this disease can cause serious complications in the form of:

• sore throats;
• otitis;
• pneumonia;
• arthritis.

In an adult, the virus can cause encephalitis and meningoencephalitis. In addition, very often it is accompanied in adults by convulsions and fainting.

That is why it is necessary to make the right and timely treatment rubella at any age.

Rubella does not require special treatment, but the child during this period needs rest, as well as plenty of fluids and bed rest.

Treatment

In medicine, there is no medicine to treat rubella in children. As a rule, in the absence of complications in a child, he is treated at home. The treatment should include taking symptomatic drugs, drinking plenty of water, taking vitamins and bed rest. At the same time, it is necessary to make high demands on hygiene - bed and underwear should be changed daily, while it must undergo heat treatment, that is, it must be ironed.

At severe pain in the back and muscles of the child, the doctor prescribes antihistamines, and with the appearance of conjunctivitis - "Albucid". If a child has greatly enlarged lymph nodes during an illness, he is prescribed UHF therapy. To treat a rash, lotions from decoctions of chamomile, calendula, oak bark and St. John's wort are used.

If rubella occurs with complications, then the child needs urgent hospitalization. And remember, you can get rubella only once in your life, because, having been ill, the body develops a strong immunity to the virus and does not allow it to “settle” in the body.

Prevention

It is very important to protect your baby from rubella. Today, children's clinics annually conduct preventive vaccinations, which produce antibodies in the body that can resist the virus. These vaccinations are public institutions are held free of charge. Since rubella epidemics are often observed in the winter-spring period, they are usually done in the fall.

Rubella (rubeola) is a viral infectious diseases moderate type. For rubella characterized by mild lesions of the child's body - slightly enlarged The lymph nodes and the appearance of small-spotted exanthema. But in older children, the disease can be severe, with involvement in the process of purpura (capillary small-spotted hemorrhages in the mucous membrane or skin) and joints.
Etiology of rubella :
The rubella virus is frost-resistant, but quickly dies under the influence of disinfectants and under the influence of ultraviolet rays and stored at room temperature for 2-3 hours.
Man is the only source and spreader of the virus rubella.Source of this viral infection may become infant with congenital rubella spreading the pathogen during the first 5-6 months after birth.
Distributed by rubella by airborne droplets from an infected person to a healthy person when talking, coughing or sneezing. A patient with rubella is a source of infection a week before the onset of the first symptoms and a week after the end of the rash period.
The contagiousness (the ability of the infection to be transmitted from sick people to healthy people) of rubella is low and therefore infection requires closer contact than with chickenpox or measles. In poorly ventilated areas and in places with a large crowd of people, the risk of infection rubella increases. In addition, there is a transplacental (from mother to fetus) route of rubella infection, which can lead to the formation of pathologies in the development of the fetus. Women who have not had rubella by the time of childbearing age and do not have antibodies remain highly likely to become infected during pregnancy.
With absence rubella immunity, susceptibility to infection is very high and does not depend on age. Children under 1 year of age get rubella in rare cases, since they retain passive immunity acquired from the mother. The peak of infection activity occurs in March-June among the youngest children. age group(from 3 to 6 years).

Rubella symptoms in children :
Usually rubella in children proceeds at a low temperature with slight conjunctivitis and a runny nose. The incubation period of rubella is from two to three weeks. mild form: headache, malaise, lethargy, loss of appetite, enlargement and redness of the pharynx, sometimes pain in the muscles and joints. Often, the posterior cervical, parotid and occipital lymph nodes increase. represents small pink specks on the mucous membrane of the palate. A little later, these specks can merge and spread to the arches, acquiring a dark red color.
Lymph nodes enlarge at least two days before the rash appears on the child's skin and remain enlarged for 7 to 9 days. Rash with rubella, it manifests itself much more diversely than with chickenpox or measles. Rashes cover a significant part of the child's body for several days and are maculopapular formations of a pale pink color. First, the rash appears on the face (where some of the spots often merge). Then - quickly spreads over the entire surface of the child's skin - especially many spots appear on inside arms, back and buttocks. After 2-3 days, the rashes turn pale and gradually disappear, leaving no traces of pigmentation. There is no photophobia (unlike measles).

Rubella Diagnosis :
With a characteristic clinical picture(especially during the distribution season) and the identified source of rubella infection, the diagnosis of this disease does not present any particular difficulties. In some cases, diagnosis is difficult due to the similarity of the course with some childhood diseases (scarlet fever, measles, allergic skin rashes). Therefore, upon the appearance disease symptoms, contact your pediatrician or invite a doctor to your house.
Rubella poses a great danger to women who have not been vaccinated and who have not been ill before pregnancy and have been in contact with carriers of this infection.
Therefore, to confirm rubella infection, it is highly desirable to undergo a laboratory examination.

Rubella treatment :
In the absence of any complications, rubella treatment does not require any special means. Only isolation of a sick child from other children and bed rest are shown. In case of complications with rubella, the following are used: sulfanilamide drugs; multivitamins.

Possible rubella complications :
To the most dangerous complications rubella in a child meningoencephalitis(rubella encephalitis). The period of development is from two to six weeks after the rash on the skin. The course of rubella encephalitis is quite long and severe. Over 60% of children who have had this form of encephalitis acquire serious changes in the psyche and motor function.
Also, serious diseases caused by rubella include viral meningitis.

Prevention:
General prevention in foci of distribution rubella is ineffective, since the activity of the virus begins long before the appearance of visible symptoms of the disease in infected children. In places where the infection spreads, frequent airing of the room and wet cleaning are carried out. Strengthening immunity the child reduces the likelihood of complications. Many countries provide general vaccination preschool children(in some European countries, rubella vaccine is given to all children who have reached the age of 1.5-2 years. In others, only girls aged 9-13 years are vaccinated). After vaccination, approximately 98% of children develop antibodies, and a stable immunity to the virus appears rubella. It is especially important that immunity to rubella is formed in girls before the onset of pregnancy - either as a result of an illness in childhood or by vaccination. During pregnancy, vaccination with the rubella virus is strictly contraindicated.
Vaccination with a vaccine rubella is also contraindicated in: development oncological diseases; immunodeficient state organism; allergic reaction to aminoglycosides. It is also impossible to vaccinate during treatment with the use of blood products (in this case, vaccination is indicated 3 months after or 3 weeks before the course).

Indications for termination of pregnancy in those who have not been vaccinated or who have not had rubella in preschool age women:
Pregnant women without immunity to rubella who have been in an outbreak or who have been in contact with a rubella-infected person should without fail pass the laboratory research to identify possible infection. If rubella is confirmed in the 1st trimester and even up to 4-5 months of fetal development, an operation for artificial termination of pregnancy is indicated. positive analysis it is indicated to terminate the pregnancy even in the absence of visible rubella symptoms considering the possibility of a latent course of the disease.
When infected with rubella in the later stages of pregnancy, a woman falls into a high-risk group and is placed on special account. Treatment of placental insufficiency, prevention of miscarriage, and measures to protect the fetus are carried out.

Folk remedies for the treatment of rubella :
For rubella treatment you can recommend herbal preparations containing immunostimulating substances and facilitating expectoration.
- Prepare the mixture: elecampane root, marshmallow root, licorice root in the same proportions. We brew 2 teaspoons of the mixture in one glass of boiling water (boil for 10 minutes) and then filter. Take 1/4 cup every 3 hours.
- Vitamin teas are very useful: lingonberries and rosehips 1:1 (brew in boiling water and drink 3 times a day); or blackcurrant berries and rose hips 1:1 (brew in boiling water and drink 3 times a day); or we take lingonberries 1 part, rose hips 3 parts, nettle leaves 3 parts (brew in boiling water and drink 3 times a day).

Among acute infectious diseases, rubella in children has a special place, since the virus can cause irreparable harm to the immune system and internal organs of a developing organism. Specific prophylaxis is required, which consists in vaccination according to the schedule of the national vaccination calendar. This material provides basic information regarding rubella in children: symptoms and treatment, preventive measures and the main types of complications of the infection. Also given general concepts incubation period and routes of infection in adults and children.

Infection and rubella virus - how infection occurs

The rubella virus is a highly resistant microorganism that has a double membrane and its own ribonucleic acid molecule. This allows long time survive in external environment even under the most adverse conditions. When introduced into the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract the rubella virus integrates its RNA molecule, which is protected from the effects of lymphocytes and macrophages by a villous layer. Therefore, without prior vaccination, there are no specific means in the body of a child. immune protection from this type of infection.

A feature of the Toga family of viruses is that hemagglutinin is produced on the outer surface of their membrane - a substance that promotes the rapid absorption of the viral molecule into human blood cells. As the concentration of viruses increases, the production of such a substance as neuraminidase gradually begins, which contributes to damage to the nervous tissue.

Rubella infection is a highly contagious disease that is transmitted through the air. The degree of contact in the absence of specific immunity is more than 90%. The spread of rubella infection occurs mainly in confined spaces in which a large number of of people. These are kindergartens, schools, boarding schools. There are cases of nosocomial infection in pediatric hospitals, where children are placed with an erroneous primary diagnosis of lymphadenitis. The isolation of the virus occurs when coughing, sneezing, talking and just breathing. When released into the external environment, the microorganism retains its aggressive properties for 5-8 hours, depending on the dryness and temperature of the air. There is an instant deactivation when quartzing or direct sunlight.

How does rubella appear and look like in children in the photo?

Not all parents know how rubella manifests itself, and they often confuse this disease with a typical cold or acute respiratory disease. But it is necessary to carefully diagnose each such case and take measures to prevent the complications of infection, which can affect the structures of the brain, nerve fiber, spinal cord and connective tissue. Especially often the walls of small blood vessels are affected.

But it’s not enough to see what rubella looks like in the photo, you also need to be able to differentiate these manifestations from other dermatological and systemic diseases, in which various types of rashes can also appear.

It is worth considering the following factors in assessing the condition of a sick baby:

• in the vast majority of cases, the infection develops only in persons who have not undergone specific vaccination;
• the risk of getting sick increases in autumn, winter and spring (rubella cases are practically not observed in summer);
• among contact persons cases of similar diseases were revealed;
• the average age of the most unstable persons varies between 1.5 and 4 years of life;
• there is a danger of the congenital presence of the virus, which can be activated under the influence of adverse external factors (teething, the introduction of complementary foods and after feeding, colds).

The difficulty of differential diagnosis lies in the fact that most often the infection occurs from a patient at the stage of the incubation period. It can last up to 3 weeks. And at the same time, starting from his 2nd day, the patient actively secretes the virus into environment. The release of the virus by airborne droplets stops only a week after the appearance of a characteristic rash on the skin.

The first signs and symptoms of rubella in children (with photo)

The first signs of rubella in children may begin to appear only at the end of the incubation period. Although all this time the baby may complain of weakness and malaise, become capricious for no apparent reason, slower, drowsy.

At the time of infection, the virus enters the mucous membranes of the pharynx, larynx and tonsils. The ciliated epithelium of the nasal passages is not susceptible to this type of microorganisms, so breathing through the nose often saves from this type of infection. After introduction, the infectious agent is introduced into the bloodstream through the capillary wall. Then there is disseminated reproduction and distribution to all organs and systems without exception. After some time, infection begins to manifest itself in the form of compaction, enlargement and soreness of the lymph nodes of the inguinal, axillary and submandibular groups. Then these signs disappear, and the main localization of lymphadenopathy shifts to the region of the occipital lymph nodes. This is due to the fact that it is in this place that the lymphoid tissue has the least resistance to the introduction of the virus. Typical symptoms of rubella in children appear after the end of the incubation period. The so-called prodrome is distinguished, during which weakness, pain in large muscles and, headache, sore throat, slight nasal congestion are felt. After 24 - 36 hours there is a sharp pain in the back of the neck. On palpation, small, immobile and dense lymph nodes are determined. Their size can be up to 10 mm in diameter.

Further symptoms of rubella in children appear according to a certain algorithm:

• immediately after the protrusion of the occipital and cervical lymph nodes, the body temperature rises to 38 degrees Celsius;
• there is a dry paroxysmal cough;
• the nasal passages are blocked due to the massive swelling of the mucous membrane, there is no mucus secretion;
• 2 days later on various parts body, small dotted rashes of dried red color appear.

Typical initial localization of the rash is the area around the ears, the anterior wall of the neck, cheeks and nasolabial triangle. Then, within 1 - 2 days, the rash quickly spreads along the upper shoulder girdle, descending to the back, abdomen, groin area and further to the hips. After 3 days, the rash begins to turn pale and disappears from almost the entire body. The most stubborn lesions are the buttocks and inner surface hips, extensor planes of the forearms. Rashes never appear on the palms and skin of the feet. The period of rashes lasts from 3 to 7 days. Then comes a period of convalescence, in which the baby's condition quickly improves, appetite is restored and physical activity. Eliminates cough, nasal congestion and sore throat. Lymph nodes may disappear completely only after 14 - 18 days from the moment when the rash disappears. Do not be afraid of this - this is a common occurrence for a rubella infection.

Rubella Diagnosis

The primary diagnosis of rubella is based on the history, epidemiological status in the locality, the availability of information about outbreaks or episodic cases of infection in a particular preschool institution. AT kindergarten or a nursery, a quarantine regime is immediately established.

On examination, the doctor can see the presence of petechial rashes on the upper palate, in the larynx and pharynx. Enlarged occipital and cervical lymph nodes are palpable. During the period when there are no rashes, diagnosis can be carried out laboratory way. For this, blood is taken from a vein. Based on the obtained biological material, serological analysis, during which the titer of antibodies to the rubella virus is determined. The diagnosis can be established if the antibody titer exceeds the norm by 4 or more times. After the course of treatment, it is necessary to repeat serological examination blood.

In addition, when diagnosing rubella, general analysis blood and urine, ECG to rule out possible complications. X-ray of the lungs is prescribed for suspected pneumonia as a complication of this infection.

Why is rubella dangerous in children under one year old?

AT pediatric practice rubella up to a year is extremely rare and requires close attention, since it is a serious danger to the health of a newborn baby. The point is that on time prenatal development the body of the fetus receives a portion of antibodies to various infections, with which the mother's body is "familiar". This supply is usually enough until the moment when, after birth, the child develops its own immune system.

But there are situations when a woman has not met the rubella virus in her life until the moment of pregnancy. In this case, the baby has no immunity against this type of infection. When infected, a rapid fulminant course with a severe convulsive syndrome and intravascular disseminated blood coagulation can be observed. All sick children are subject to emergency hospitalization in infectious hospital. The risk of developing meningitis and encephalitis is high, since the blood-brain barrier at this stage of life in a newborn is not able to repel the attacks of pathogenic microflora.

Rubella in children under one year of age gives a stable lifelong immunity, which allows you to refuse vaccination in a timely manner.

Consequences and complications of rubella disease

Rubella disease in most cases is not a severe infection that leads to any catastrophic changes in the human body. In children, rubella can only give complications if it is greatly weakened. the immune system or during the illness, secondary pathogenic microflora has joined.

The most common consequences of rubella include the development of angina with the addition of staphylococcus or streptococcus, pneumonia, bronchitis, and.

Less common are arthritis of rheumatoid etiology, myocarditis, pyelonephritis, and inflammation of the middle ear. In adults, this disease can lead to more serious consequences. Often develops meningoencephalitis with severe meningeal symptoms. Another common complication in adults is thrombocytopenic purpura.

Treatment of rubella disease in children

Rubella is usually treated with outpatient settings. Mother or father is given sick leave for a period of 21 days (until the moment when the baby stops releasing the virus into the environment and can attend a preschool institution).

In order to start rubella treatment in children, it is necessary to prepare an isolated room that is well ventilated. Isolation is carried out from other children present in the family. Bed rest is prescribed for 5-7 days. At this time, it is important to organize the right good nutrition and adequate drinking regimen. It is necessary to give at least 2 liters of fluid per day. Half of this amount should be in the form mineral water with released gases or a solution of "Rehydron". Repetitive meals are prescribed in small portions. Meals should contain a large amount of protein of vegetable and animal origin. It can be fermented milk products (cottage cheese, kefir, yogurt, fermented baked milk), mashed meat and fish puddings, egg and much more.

"Ascorutin" is prescribed 500 mg 3 times a day for the prevention of disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome. Antispasmodics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can also be used to relieve headaches and muscle pain and normalize body temperature.

Currently, scientists do not know how to treat rubella in children with specific antiviral drugs. They simply don't exist. Antibiotics are not effective for this infection. They are prescribed only in case of complications, with lymphadenitis, tonsillitis and pneumonia. The drug "Wobenzym" has a certain effectiveness, which has an immunostimulating and anti-inflammatory effect on the child's body. It is prescribed 1 capsule 3 times a day for 12-15 days.

A positive effect during the period of rashes on the skin is given by antihistamines. It can be "Suprastin", "Tavegil", "Pipolfen", "Claritin" or "Diazolin". It should be given in a dosage that corresponds to the age and body weight of the baby.

Rubella treatment in a hospital is required if the child develops convulsive syndrome and there are signs of infection spreading across the blood-brain barrier. In this case, rubella disease is a threat to the health and life of the child.

Whether there can be a repeated rubella?

Rubella can re-develop in individuals who have not been revaccinated in a timely manner. You should know that immunity after vaccination lasts for 20 years. Therefore, during the planning period of pregnancy, it is necessary to check your immune status and revaccinate against this infection that is dangerous for the fetus.

In children, recurrent rubella is extremely rare. This can only be associated with total immunodeficiency, in which antibodies to this type of virus are completely absent. Revaccination recommended for renewal immune status. Most scientists agree that re-infection with this disease is basically impossible.

Rubella prevention in children

Rubella prevention in children is divided into active and passive measures. Active prophylaxis of rubella is a timely vaccination, which is carried out in the first year of a baby's life in strict accordance with the national preventive vaccination calendar. Primary vaccination is done in the period from 1 year to one and a half years. Vaccines against measles and mumps. Immunity appears after 3 weeks from the moment intramuscular injection attenuated culture of rubella virus. Revaccination is required to restore the immune status at the age of 6-7 years. Until the age of 28 in an adult, this post-vaccination immunity persists. Then re-vaccination is required. This is especially true for women planning a pregnancy over the age of 30.

Passive preventive measures include teaching the child about personal hygiene. Also, if a case of infection is detected, it is necessary to introduce quarantine measures.

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which is characterized easy current, in most cases not requiring hospitalization or specific treatment. Usage therapeutic agents necessary in the development of complications or in the event of severe and unpleasant symptoms.

Rubella treatment is based on the following principles:
1. mode;
2. diet;
3. etiotropic treatment;
4. symptomatic treatment;
5. herbal medicine ( folk remedies).

Mode.

The child must be isolated for the duration of the illness. Isolation is terminated 5 to 7 days after the onset of the rash. This event is used to prevent infection of other children in kindergartens and schools. It is important that children do not come into contact with pregnant women, as this infection poses a serious danger to the fetus, and can cause many serious pathologies. If there are pregnant women in the family of the sick person, they should temporarily change their housing. If this is not possible, they should not be in the same room with infected people, and in case of contact, it is recommended to use a mask.

Children should be on bed rest. They need to be limited physical activity so that they rest most of the day. When in bed, children should not be wrapped in excess blankets, as this creates the preconditions for an increase in body temperature ( heat transfer mechanisms are disrupted), up to the development of febrile convulsions.

Children are rarely hospitalized, only in case of a severe course of the disease or the development of complications.

Signs of the development of complications are:

• severe headaches;
• an increase in body temperature above 38 degrees;
• nausea and vomiting not associated with food intake;

Diet.

There is no specific diet for rubella. A light diet rich in vitamins is recommended. The diet should be balanced and include vegetables and fruits, as well as dairy products ( yogurt, kefir, cottage cheese).

Etiotropic treatment.

Etiotropic treatment is a set of therapeutic measures aimed at eliminating the causative agent of the disease. With this pathology, there is not enough effective remedy the fight against the virus. The drugs used are not effective enough and often dangerous, as they have many side effects. They are used only when there are serious complications.

With rubella, the following drugs can be used:

• Anti-rubes serum. This tool is an antibody to the virus obtained from a living donor or synthesized using the blood of animals. Since these are inherently foreign proteins, their use can cause an allergic reaction. The effectiveness of this tool in children is satisfactory.
• Interferon. Interferons are special protein substances synthesized in response to the penetration of the virus into the blood. They prevent the introduction of the virus into the cell, thereby blocking its reproduction. Viferon, leukinferon, intron A are used, which are available in the form rectal suppositories.

As a measure specific prevention children are vaccinated. It is held at the age of one year, 7 and 14 years. Also, vaccination is carried out in the foci of infection and in girls of childbearing age with a low titer of protective antibodies.

symptomatic treatment.

The main type of treatment for this pathology is symptomatic therapy. This is a set of measures aimed at alleviating existing symptoms and eliminating complications.

The following symptomatic agents are used:

• Desensitizing drugs. Desensitizing agents reduce the allergic reaction, thereby reducing the swelling of the tissues of the upper respiratory tract, nasal mucosa, and reduce bronchospasm. Loratadine, clemastine, diphenhydramine ( diphenhydramine). In children, however, the use of this group of drugs requires a doctor's consultation.
• Antipyretic. Antipyretics are given to children only when the body temperature rises above 38 degrees and when physical cooling methods are ineffective - removing blankets, clothes, wiping with water. Paracetamol is used at a dose of 250 mg or ibuprofen 60 mg in the form of rectal suppositories. One suppository should be administered with an increase in temperature, but not more than four times a day. Ibuprofen, in addition to being an antipyretic, also has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. It should be noted that long-term use of this drug may affect the gastric mucosa.
• Vitamins. It is recommended during the period of illness to get as many vitamins as possible by eating fresh vegetables and fruits, as they strengthen the immune system and help fight infection.
• Glucocorticoids. In hospital conditions, steroid drugs are often used, the use of which is aimed at preventing the development of cerebral edema and a number of other complications. These funds are used for a short time, since they long-term use adversely affects the body.
• Antibiotics. With rubella, antibiotics are usually not prescribed, but in case of accession bacterial infection their use is essential. This occurs if purulent otitis media, tonsillitis, pneumonia develop. Antibiotics from different groups are used, depending on the type of bacterial agent. Only a doctor should prescribe a medicine after examining the child and establishing the pathogen.
• Diuretics. In order to reduce intoxication, as well as to prevent cerebral edema, diuretics are used in the hospital ( diuretics). For detoxification, their use should be combined with intravenous fluids.

Phytotherapy (folk medicine).

Traditional medicines are not able to destroy the rubella virus, but their use helps to alleviate the course of the disease and eliminate some of the symptoms.

Apply the following means folk medicine:

• Immunostimulating decoction. Two tablespoons of marshmallow root, licorice root, elecampane root are brewed in 200 ml of boiling water for 15 minutes. The resulting broth is cooled, filtered and drunk 50 ml every three hours.
• Vitamin tea. Rose hips and black currants are brewed in equal proportions in one glass of boiling water and drunk 2-3 times a day.
• Bath infusion. Four tablespoons of celandine grass are poured with a liter of boiling water and infused for 60 minutes. The resulting infusion is added to the bath when bathing a child.

As a rule, rubella proceeds easily and without features. Not the last place in this and in the absence of epidemics for last years belongs to universal vaccination. But despite the powerful prevention of the disease, one must remember, because one of its most severe complications leads to death.

What is rubella? How does the disease manifest itself and what are its features compared to similar diseases? Who is more likely to get sick and how does the immune system behave during the development of an infection? Is rubella dangerous in our time and how to treat it in case of infection?

What is rubella

This infection was first mentioned in medicine in the 16th century, but the study of the virus was very slow. Only two centuries later, the Austrian scientist Wagner clearly described the differences between this infection and measles and scarlet fever. Shortly before the outbreak of World War II in 1938 in Japan, scientists proved the viral nature of the disease. And in 1961, the causative agent of rubella was isolated.

The disease haunted all pediatricians. A few decades ago, the infection ranked third in the ranking of diseases that cause rashes in children. It was common everywhere and getting sick with it in childhood was considered the norm. And since a full-fledged treatment has not yet been invented, complications were observed in almost every sick child.

In the middle of the 20th century, it was proved that the rubella virus leads to a violation of the proper development of children when the mother is infected during pregnancy.

But in the last century, since the invention of a vaccine against the disease, doctors have breathed a sigh of relief. In countries where 100% of the population is vaccinated, the disease has almost been forgotten, and doctors study rubella by medical literature.

Causes and methods of infection

Rubella cannot be contracted from animals, it does not mutate thanks to them. Only a sick person serves as a reservoir of the virus. The infection is one of the anthroponotic, that is, which develop only in the human body. How is rubella transmitted? Mostly by airborne droplets. Another route of transmission is transplacental, when the virus enters the child from an infected mother through the placenta. This is the cause of congenital rubella.

The microorganism is unstable in the external environment. There are several features of the virus and disease that make rubella a relatively mild infection.

In this case, the disease resembles a time bomb. Why is rubella dangerous? - its complications are often much more serious than itself acute infection. Congenital rubella and complications from the nervous system in terms of course, manifestation and consequences exceed many infectious diseases.

Rubella virus entry routes and effects on the body

The mucous membranes are the first barrier to the entry of the virus into the body. Getting on the mucous membrane, the rubella virus is absorbed and rushes to the lymph nodes, so one of the first signs of rubella in a child is an increase in the lymph nodes.

At the next stage, the virus penetrates into the blood and into the skin. The next well-known and frequent manifestations of rubella are rash and itching. The microorganism has a special relationship to embryonic tissues - that is, when a pregnant woman is infected, the virus penetrates the placental barrier and affects many systems of the unborn child. In many cases congenital disease is considered as a slow-flowing infection, because often a child after birth has an inhibition of the development of organ systems.

And also the virus impairs the functioning of the immune system and affects the nervous system.

Symptoms

How does rubella manifest itself? During the incubation period, the disease will not manifest itself in any way, and it can last, sometimes for about three weeks or even more. Cases in medicine are described when this stage of the development of the disease was 24 days.

Then the symptoms depend on the period of development of rubella:

• the incubation period of rubella in children lasts from 11 to 24 days;
• prodromal period - about three days;
• rash period;
• permission period;
• consequences of the infection.

headache, dizziness

The symptoms of rubella change in stages.

1. Weakness, headaches and dizziness.
2. The first symptoms of rubella in children include malaise, mood swings, and loss of appetite.
3. Sometimes there are muscle pains in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe joints - they are more often worried about the wrist and ankle.
4. In rare cases, the child is worried about nasal congestion.
5. Perhaps an increase in body temperature for several days, but it does not exceed 37.5 ° C.
6. At this time, the baby complains of a sore throat.
7. Rubella is manifested by slight reddening of the eyes.
8. How to find out what rubella begins in children? The cervical lymph nodes are enlarged. The occipital and posterior cervical lymph nodes become more noticeable.

All this manifests itself within 1-3 days. The first stage of the disease proceeds, like many other infections. At this time, it is difficult to suspect the presence of the rubella virus in the body. And only information about contacts helps in making a diagnosis, which is extremely rare.

Clinical manifestations at the height of the disease

What does typical rubella look like in children? The disease is more active during the third period, when a rash appears. What other symptoms accompany this period of infection?

1. From this point on, body temperature jumps to 38.5 ° C, but more often it stays in the range of 37-38 ° C.
2. This is the time of active development of catarrhal phenomena - redness of the throat, enlargement of the tonsils, rhinitis.
3. Often the child is worried about coughing.
4. A rash in children with rubella in the form of small red spots, abundant in size from 2 to 4 mm, not prone to merging, unlike other infections, appears immediately on the face and neck, after which it very quickly without a certain sequence occurs throughout the body. Most spots are on the back and buttocks, on the back of the arms and legs, but the palms and feet remain absolutely clean.
5. Lymphadenitis (inflammation of the lymph nodes) is more actively expressed during this period of the disease, which persists until the disease is completely resolved.

Does rubella rash itch? - yes, slight itching persists. After only three days, the rash disappears without a trace, leaving no pigmentation, scarring or other changes on the child's skin. But according to doctors, typical symptom Rubella is not spots, but an increase in lymph nodes. In almost 30% of cases, there may be no spots, and lymphadenitis is always present.

With intrauterine infection of the child after birth, various malformations develop. In the first trimester, the number of complications after the disease is the highest and reaches 60%.

Complications of rubella

Ideally, rubella passes without a trace. But in fact, no one succeeds in predicting the further course of the disease. She, after a few months, can bring many surprises.

Here are the most common and severe of the possible complications.

Rubella Diagnosis

Diagnosis is sometimes difficult, because about a third of cases in children after a year proceed slowly or without the usual signs, such as a rash on the body.

What helps in the correct diagnosis?

In most cases to special methods studies are rarely resorted to, since many of them are expensive or require a long time for the growth of the pathogen. If a focus of infection is detected, rubella is tested for antibodies using RTHA (hemagglutination inhibition reaction), the minimum protective titer should be 1:20, otherwise the child must be vaccinated.

In addition to an increase in peripheral lymph nodes and the appearance of a rash, there are no clear external signs development of rubella, looking at which you can confidently make a diagnosis. A mild or asymptomatic course of infection baffles even experienced doctors. Therefore, it is important to know about diseases that are a bit like the course of rubella.

papules in pseudorubella

The first disease to be aware of is pseudorubella. There are several names for this disease: roseola infantum, sixth disease, and exanthema subitutum. This infection has nothing to do with ordinary rubella. The viruses that cause these two diseases belong to different families. The cause of the development of pseudorubella is the herpes virus types 6 and 7. In adults, this microorganism causes the syndrome chronic fatigue, and roseola in children. Unlike rubella, body temperature can rise to 40 ° C, catarrhal manifestations are completely absent, and the rash, despite the fact that it also spreads, looks like papules (small-sized elements with liquid inside). The peak of the appearance of false rubella in children is the end of spring, the beginning of summer, which coincides with the classic rubella. An analysis of the presence of the herpes virus in the body helps to distinguish diseases.

What else needs to be done differential diagnosis rubella:

• With allergic reactions for medicines;
• with measles;
• infectious mononucleosis;
• adenovirus infection.

It is possible to get confused in the diagnoses only in the case of an atypical or oligosymptomatic course of these diseases.

Rubella treatment

Treatment of uncomplicated rubella in children begins with general recommendations.

How to treat rubella in children at home? In general, the above measures are sufficient, the infection does not always require specific therapeutic effect. Sometimes therapy is reduced only to the appointment of symptomatic drugs.

Symptomatic treatment of rubella

What medications are prescribed to treat rubella?

Severe course diseases or the development of serious complications, such as panencephalitis, are an indication for hospitalization in the infectious diseases department or intensive care unit. In these cases, you should not wait for the doctor, you need to call ambulance, since the quantity deaths with rubeolar encephalitis it reaches 30%. But in most cases, the prognosis for rubella is favorable.

Anti-epidemic measures for rubella

Despite universal vaccination, which is still the most effective measure prevention, outbreaks occur every 10 years in different regions.

What are the anti-epidemic measures for rubella?

1. General measures in the foci of infection are ineffective, since the incubation period of the disease is long and there are latent forms of the disease.
2. According to some sources, the child becomes contagious a week before the appearance of rashes and 1-2 weeks after them. In most cases, on the fifth day after the onset of the rash, the virus is not shed into the environment. Plus, in order to become infected, you need long-term contact with the sick person. Therefore, the child is isolated only until the fifth day from the moment the rash is discovered.
3. Quarantine is not declared.
4. Is it possible to walk with rubella? Until the fifth day, inclusive, from the moment the rash appears, it is better to exclude walks so as not to infect others. At this time, frequent ventilation of the room where the patient is located is carried out. If the child lives in the private sector or falls ill during his stay in the country, walks are allowed within the allotted territory.
5. Is it possible to bathe a child with rubella? If the disease is mild, there are no complications and severe itching, you can swim, but it is undesirable for a child to be in the water for a long time. Bathing for 5-10 minutes or a warm shower is the best evening exercise. There are often impurities in the water that will exacerbate some symptoms. During the period of the disease, it is impossible to swim in reservoirs until complete recovery.

Rubella prevention

For today the only effective way rubella prevention is vaccination. Almost from the first days of the development of the vaccine, it entered the National calendar vaccination. In countries where high level immunization of the population against rubella, the disease occurs only if the virus is imported from other regions.

Today, killed and live attenuated vaccines are used to prevent infection. According to the vaccination calendar, the first introduction of protective antibodies against rubella to children is carried out at the age of 12 months. Revaccination takes place at 6 years of age. In some cases, based on the testimony or at the request of the parents, girls aged 12–14 are vaccinated to protect the body from infection. This is necessary if, at an older age, girls plan a pregnancy, then the likelihood of congenital rubella in children will decrease.

Nowadays, three-component vaccines are mainly used, when the baby is vaccinated according to the calendar at 12 months with simultaneous vaccination against mumps and measles. One-component preparations are also administered to protect against rubella specifically.

Can a vaccinated child get rubella? Such cases are possible if more than 10 years have passed since the last vaccination (although according to some sources the vaccine protects up to 20 years) or if only one vaccination against rubella has been given, then protection is not yet 100% effective. If the vaccination was carried out with a poor-quality vaccine, protection may also not work.

Frequently asked questions about rubella

Rubella is a non-dangerous disease and it can be defeated not at the time of infection, but long before that. Elementary preventive measures will help to cope with the disease and its consequences forever. Hand washing and timely cleaning of premises play an important role in this. But still, the main function in the fight against rubella belongs to immunization through vaccinations.