When we think of the measles, we think of a disease that our parents and grandparents used to have to worry about. However, the German measles, also known as Rubella is a real, blood borne pathogen that can be spread through contact with infected blood that if we are not immunized, can cause serious problems.

Immunization Is The Key

Blood borne pathogens training is the best defense against not becoming infected by someone who has it. This is especially important to emergency services workers who have not been immunized. While everyone is supposed to be immunized, not all children are given the opportunity. Many countries simple do not have the personnel to ensure that everyone receives the proper medical attention when they are children.

The Three Day Measles

Rubella is also known as the three-day measles and is identifiable by the mild red rash that presents on the body. While healthy adults can fight through the virus relatively easily, there is a great danger to pregnant women who can pass Congenital Rubella Syndrome to their unborn child. The result of this is birth defects and death. Women who contract this virus within the first trimester usually give birth to a child with some form of birth defect.

Exposure To Symptoms

The person who has Rubella can spread the virus from 7 days before the rash develops and up to four days after the rash appears. Symptoms will develop around two weeks after exposure and five to ten days prior to the onset of rash. They include:

– Tender, swollen lymph glands of the neck
– The red or pink rash that is the viruses trademark symptom begins on the face and spreads to other parts of the human body like the torso, legs, and arms, usually only lasting one day in each area
– The soft palate on the roof of the mouth-towards the back of the throat-turns red and becomes tender
– Other symptoms could include runny nose, fatigue, joint pain, and headache

Be Sure

Women should be 100% sure they are not pregnant before becoming immunized. Safe sex practices and birth control must be followed strictly for at least 3 months following immunization. If you believe you have rubella, you can avoid spreading the virus to others by following these guidelines

– Stay home until rash, swelling, and all other symptoms have completely subsided

– Fever over 101 degrees should be treated with fluids and wet sponge wipe-downs with lukewarm water

– While acetaminophen may provide comfort, you should never give children or teenagers aspirin. Reyes syndrome is a rare but fatal disease that can be caused by giving aspirin to children.

Be Safe

The safest way to prevent contracting rubella, whether from a carrier or blood borne pathogen from a carrier, is immunization. Children receive these immunizations, as part of the MMR vaccine between 12 and 15 months of age with a follow-up dose between 4 to 6 years, however, while they are required by law, there was no way to enforce the immunization act in days past. If your child has not received the MMR shots by 15 months, make sure that they do receive them as soon as possible before the age of 12 years old.

Author Bio: For more information please visit our HIPAA Compliance website.

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: MMR vaccine,human body ,Blood borne pathogens training,Immunization