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Rubella (german measles) is a rare illness that causes a spotty rash. It usually gets better in about a week, but it can be serious if you get it when you're pregnant.
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.
Rubella can also cause:
It's very unlikely to be rubella if you have had both doses of the MMRV vaccine or MMR vaccine, or you've had rubella before.
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:
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:
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:
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.
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