Rubella refers to the so-called "childhood" diseases, which are mainly caused by a small population of the planet. Having had a pain in childhood, a person acquires lifelong resistance to this disease.
But those who grew up without such a life experience and were not on time vaccinated, risk getting rubella already grown up. And as with other "childhood" diseases, this infection will be much more severe than that of a child.
Today we will talk about rubella in adults, see detailed photos, as well as symptoms and modern ways of treating this ailment.
Causes
Rubella viruses are togaviruses. They have a spherical shape and contain RNA and neurominidase. In the external environment, they are unstable and quickly die during drying, exposure to ultraviolet or disinfectants.
Infection occurs only from a sick person by airborne droplets. In the past, rubella manifested itself in the form of epidemic outbreaks, but now due to active immunization is much less common.
The maximum incidence is recorded in the autumn or spring period, when immunity decreases.
The incubation period of rubella
The incubation period lastsfrom 16 to 20 days. Already at this time, a healthy-looking person can become a source of disease. During the incubation period, the virus penetrates and covers the mucous membranes - that is, it can enter the environment.
The patient becomes especially dangerous to others the week before the appearance of rashes and infectious another 5 to 7 days after the end of the rash. The most dangerous is the period when there is a rash on the body.
Symptoms of rubella in adults
If rubella affects the baby's body, the disease proceeds peacefully, and practically without bright symptoms and intoxication of the whole organism. A completely different picture of the symptoms is observed if the rubella occurs in adults. Here, pronounced signs and complications can occur in a much larger number
The distinctive symptoms of the disease in adults include:
- the appearance of confluent rashes forming large tracts and localized on the buttocks and back;
- a rapid increase in temperature, which is difficult to knock down;
- an increase in inguinal or axillary lymph nodes on the second day after the onset of the disease;
- pain in the muscles and joints;
- symptoms of acute respiratory infections: severe cold, pain and sore throat, moderate or severe cough;
- attacks of headaches, reminiscent of migraines, from which it is not easy to get rid of pain medication;
- photophobia and lacrimation;
- acute conjunctivitis with a large amount of purulent discharge;
- pain in the testes in men, requiring strict bed rest.
Sometimes the incubation period lasts up to 20-24 days, which allows the virus to multiply actively.
Rubella in adults: photos
How does the rash with rubella in adults look like, we offer detailed photos in the initial and subsequent stages.
Complications
The most dangerous consequence is the inflammation of the meninges - encephalitis. Another unpleasant complication of rubella is joint disease (arthritis). If a person has poor immunity, the rubella virus contributes to otitis media (ear inflammation) and pneumonia (pneumonia). The cause of these complications is a bacterial infection, which the body can not cope with.
During pregnancy
Especially dangerous rubella for pregnant women. The danger is the defeat of the fetus. Having infected a fetus that is in the womb, this viral disease can cause a number of malformations in the baby.
Often the organs of hearing and vision, as well as the heart, are affected. Bones, internal organs and the brain are scarcely less likely to be affected. Infection with rubella can lead to even the death of a child in the womb.
It is a great pity to talk about this, but a pregnant woman who got rubella at an early age does not receive treatment, but she is strongly recommended to have an abortion. Infection at late stages often leads to the development of congenital rubella in children.
Diagnostics
Diagnosis is based on the identification of clinical manifestations. Additionally appoint:
- a blood test for the presence of antibodies to the virus. Use the ELISA, PCR method;
- sowing from the nasopharynx allows you to isolate the DNA of the pathogen.
Analyzes are necessary for the differentiation of the disease with:
- allergy to medicines;
- measles;
- syphilis;
- scarlatina;
- enterovirus infections.
I also want to note that the symptoms of the disease are very similar to the common cold, so it is not always possible to diagnose yourself with the first symptoms.
Treatment of rubella in adults
There are no special rubella remedies. All rubella treatment in adults is reduced to eliminating the existing symptoms. When the disease occurs without serious complications, therapy can be carried out at home.
The adult needs isolation, complete peace and bed rest. It is recommended to drink as much liquid as possible. Especially useful will be vitaminized drinks from cowberries, dog rose, lemon and cranberries.
In particular, the patient may be assigned:
- detoxification;
- antihistamines;
- sedative;
- dehydration;
- antipyretics;
- multivitamins.
In addition, doctors prescribe patients compliance with anti-allergic diet. With a competent, adequate and responsible approach to treatment, the disease ends with the recovery of the patient and the formation of a stable immunity to re-infection.
It is important to understand thatself-medication for rubella in the vast majority of cases not only does not bring the expected results, but also entails the development of a number of complications of the disease. That is why any actions aimed at combating this pathology should be necessarily coordinated with experienced doctors.
Prevention
If in childhood you did not suffer from rubella, then the best prevention is vaccination, you can get a vaccine against rubella at any polyclinic.
Remember that more than others, infectious diseases are susceptible to a weakened organism, so as soon as they notice signs reduce immunity - take action, it is also useful to do morning hygienic gymnastics and sports.
If you are not vaccinated, then try to avoid contact with patients, you can often get infected from the child, especially in the kindergarten.
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