Based on symptoms to distinguish measles and rubella

Measles and rubella have similar symptoms. However, there are still differences between the two diseases that make it easy to distinguish.

Measles and rubella at a glance

Rubela (German measles) is a viral infection that causes a red rash on the body. The virus that causes the disease is the rubella virus. Besides the rash, people with rubella often have a fever and swollen lymph nodes. Rubella spreads from person to person. The virus that causes disease usually resides in the nose and throat area, when an infected person sneezes, the pathogen will spread everywhere. Sharing food and drink with sick people also makes it easier for germs to spread.

Measles is also a contagious respiratory infection, caused by the rubeola virus. It causes a skin rash all over the body and causes flu-like symptoms.

Both diseases are caused by viruses, for which there is no specific treatment. Patients are often advised to rest in the room, limit contact with others, and replenish water and nutrients. The best way to prevent the disease is to get vaccinated. In fact, people often use the MMR vaccine (3-in-1 vaccine) that protects against 3 diseases at once: measles, mumps, and rubella.

Distinguish similar symptoms of measles and rubella

Symptoms of rubella (German measles)

Symptoms of rubella are usually mild, sometimes barely noticeable. Some common symptoms include:

• A pink or red rash that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body
• Mild fever, usually below 38.3 degrees Celsius
• Swollen and painful lymph nodes
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Inflamed or red eyes

In some cases, rubella has the potential to lead to ear infections and encephalitis. Patients who notice the following symptoms should contact their doctor as soon as possible:

• Persistent headache
• Ear hurt
• Stiff neck

Symptoms of Measles

Signs and symptoms of measles are usually:

• Fever
• Dry cough
• Snivel
• Sore throat
• Inflamed eyes (conjunctivitis)
• Koplik spots on the inside of cheeks: Small red white spots, bluish white in the center
• Skin rash: The papules are palpable, sometimes many nodules are concentrated into a characteristic dark bruise.

Measles and rubella comparison table:

Treatment and prevention

Treatment of measles and rubella

There is no specific treatment for both measles and rubella. Patient care mainly revolves around:

• Let the patient rest in a separate space, limit contact with others, especially pregnant women. This also means that sick people are not allowed to go to crowded places such as schools and offices to avoid spreading the virus to others.
• Add enough nutrients and water to increase resistance, heal quickly

Prevention of measles and rubella

The best way to prevent measles and rubella is to get vaccinated. The 3-in-1 MMR vaccine is capable of preventing all 3 diseases at once, measles, mumps and rubella. Children need 2 injections, the first time when 12-15 months old, the second time when the child is about 4-6 years old. Adults after the first dose are usually recommended to have a booster shot. The minimum interval between two injections is 28 days.

Note: Women of reproductive age must be vaccinated 1 month before pregnancy. Do not vaccinate during pregnancy to avoid unnecessary risks.

People who are allergic or sensitive to any component of the vaccine are also contraindicated.