The Complications
Complications rarely occur. For example, immunocompetents may have a chronic course. If a pregnant woman becomes infected with rubella, this infection leads to damage to the fetus in 10-15% of cases.
The prophylaxis
Against Ringelröteln there is no vaccination until today. Contact with sick people should be avoided if possible. Since the disease usually proceeds without complications, prophylaxis is only necessary for certain persons.
Is there a vaccination against rubella?
A vaccination against rubella does not exist. As a rule, the infection with Ringel rubella is very mild, only in patients with a weakened or suppressed immune system or in people with sickle cell anaemia complications can occur.
Can you get the ringlets twice?
If an infection with parvovirus-B19, the causative agent of rubella, occurs, the human body’s immune system forms antibodies that fight the virus. These antibodies remain in the body even after the disease and immediately recognize the virus if it tries to enter the body again. Through this recognition mechanism, one cannot be infected with rubella a second time, but is immune for a lifetime. The only complication that can occur more often is the joint inflammation associated with the parvovirus B-19.
Ringel rubella in adults
In adults, the infection is usually more severe than in children. This leads to a feeling of illness, which can be accompanied by a slightly increased temperature. This is followed by a skin rash which can spread to the whole body via the face.
Since the main age of onset of the disease is between 5 and 15 years, the initial infection is possible in adulthood, but less likely than in childhood. In many people, the disease has already progressed imperceptibly in childhood.After an infection, there is lifelong immunity, so you cannot be infected a second time. Pregnant women are particularly at risk of infection with rubella.
In about 30% of cases, the infection can be transmitted to the unborn child. This leads to anemia of the child and consequently to fluid accumulation (Hydrops fetalis). This can be potentially life-threatening for the fetus and can lead to termination of the pregnancy.
