Rubella – the Disease

Rubella (German Measles) is a mild childhood illness characterised by a rash, nasal discharge and fever. It is air-borne, spread by sneezing and coughing. The incubation period is 2-3 weeks, but the person is infectious for the period from one before and four days after the rash appears. It commonly affects children from age 6 to young adulthood, but the incidence of Rubella has shifted to older age groups since the introduction of the Rubella vaccination programme. Rubella was made a notifiable disease in 1988 when the Rubella vaccine was combined with the Measles/Mumps vaccine into the MMR.

Symptoms of Rubella

• Rubella begins with malaise and fever. After 2 or 3 days, the faint pink rash appears, which is almost flat to touch. It starts behind the ears, spreads to the face and then moves down the body. After 4 days, the skin dries and flakes off.
• Symptoms can be similar to mild 'flu: headache, stiff muscles, runny nose - especially when the rash is poorly developed.
• Glands are swollen at the back of the neck, just below the hairline.
• In adults there can also be arthritis and arthralgia (pain in joints).

Purpose of Rubella Vaccination Programme

The purpose of the Rubella vaccination is to prevent pregnant women from contracting the disease. If a woman develops Rubella before the first 10 weeks of pregnancy, this can cause deformity in the unborn child, such as eye and heart defects, deafness or cleft palate.

The protective effect of the Rubella vaccine decreases over time: thus young girls may become susceptible again when they become adults. Women who think they are protected from Rubella may not be, consequently running a high risk when they become pregnant.

It is far better for a young girl to catch Rubella naturally, which then provides life-long immunity from the disease with no associated risk in pregnancy.

Safety Precautions Before Pregnancy

• If planning a pregnancy, get tested to see if you have Rubella immunity. If you decide you need the Rubella vaccine, wait at least three months before getting pregnant.
• If you do not have antibodies, you can choose to use homeopathic remedies instead of vaccination. Take Rubella 30c: one dose twice a week for 2 weeks before trying to conceive; repeat the process in 9 months if not pregnant.
• If you come into contact with Rubella during the first 14 weeks of pregnancy, take Pulsatilla 30c immediately, followed by one dose every fortnight until the 14th week of pregnancy.

Homeopathic Remedies for Rubella

Generally German Measles is a mild illness not requiring any treatment. However, if your child is feverish and unhappy you can give a few dose of:

• ACONITE 30c - give in early stages of the illness, before the rash appears; may have dry croupy cough which is worse at night.
• BELLADONNA 30c - for high temperature; red, hot, dry skin; muscles may twitch and jerk in sleep.
• PULSATILLA 30c - lower temperature; child weepy and wants lots of cuddles; yellow/green mucus from nose.
• SULPHUR 30c - if the illness lingers; or if the rash fails to come out; green mucus from nose. [During childhood, many children acquire an undiagnosed viral rash. Rubella may be so mild that it is not recognised. It is always a good idea to give Sulphur 30c during the first 12 hours of a childhood rash to help the body fully express the illness onto the skin.]

References:

• A Handbook of Homeopathic Alternatives to Immunisation — Susan Curtis
• An Educated Decision — Christina Head
• The Vaccine Guide - Making an Informed Choice — Randall Neustaedter