|
A common mild
viral infection which occurs mainly in children.
What to look for
A child with German measles
may not look or act sick, but symptoms may include:
swollen glands.
rash on the face and the
neck; it spreads to the trunk and limbs
loss of appetite,
irritability, loss of interest in personal care.
in an older child or
teenager, joint pain and nerves may be affected.
A rash appears in only
about half the cases of German measles and does not last for long.
German measles, is a mild
illness and does not usually cause many annoying or painful symptoms for your child.
People who have had German
measles once develop a lifetime immunity.
However, the virus can be
extremely damaging to a foetus developing within the mother’s womb. It causes birth
defects and serious abnormalities if the mother catches it during the first few months of
pregnancy.
Causes
German measles is caused by
a virus found in the nose and throat of a patient. It is passed from person to person by
the tiny droplets in the air breathed out. As well as this it is transmitted from a
pregnant mother to her developing baby through the bloodstream via the placenta.
Traditional Treatment
Your child should stay at
home while sick or up to a week after any rash disappears.
No medical treatment of a
child with German measles is required. If you are pregnant and are exposed to rubella, you
should contact your Doctor immediately.
Alternative/Natural
Treatments
Immunisation
will prevent this disease and also prevent it being passed onto pregnant mothers.
Homoeopathy -
Always consult a Professional for appropriate dosages and remedies for children. Always consult a Professional for appropriate dosages and remedies for children.
Belladonna,
Pulsatilla,
and Phytolacca are three remedies often prescribed; the choice depends on your child's
symptoms and temperament.
Prevention
Immunisation of children as
a protection to others is strongly recommended by most Healthcare practitioners, but be
aware that vaccination does not always provide lifetime immunity.
Pregnancy Concerns
If you are pregnant,
are not sure of your immunity to rubella, and suspect you have been exposed, contact your
doctor immediately, because the virus can pass to your unborn child.
When to seek further
professional advice
|
