Rubella Treatment

How is Rubella Diagnosed?

Doctors generally suspect rubella based on the symptoms and the rash developed on the patient's body. However, to confirm the diagnosis, laboratory tests are needed. Testing may involve a blood sample, virus culture, or samples of mucus from the nose or throat and urine. Blood tests can find rubella antibodies, which means that the patient either currently has rubella, or has had it in the past, or has been vaccinated. A positive nasal, throat or urine test generally indicates a current rubella infection.

How is Rubella Treated Based on Severity?

While most cases of rubella are managed with rest and home care, here is an overview of how treatment can differ based on the severity of symptoms:

Types of Rubella and Their Treatment

There are two main types of rubella. While there is no antiviral treatment available for the condition, here is an overview of the recommended treatment of symptoms for each type.

Treatment of Rubella Based on Stages

Rubella treatment varies by stage, with most cases managed through supportive care once symptoms begin to appear. The treatment of this disease based on its stages is tabulated below:

Oral Medicines for Rubella

There is no specific medicine that cures rubella. However, doctors recommend the following medicines to manage symptoms:

• Fever Medicines: Paracetamol and ibuprofen may help reduce fever and relieve pain associated with fever. Liquid infant paracetamol may be recommended for children.

• Immunoglobulins: These medicines are recommended to pregnant women who have been exposed to someone with rubella. However, this is not a routine treatment and must only be taken under medical supervision.

• Over-the-counter (OTC) Cough and Cold Medicines: Certain OTC medicines may be used to relieve symptoms such as cough and cold. Their use should be appropriate for the person's age and health condition.

Other Treatments for Rubella

The treatment options given below are usually recommended by doctors to treat the symptoms of rubella:

Note: It is essential to consult with qualified medical professionals when undergoing treatment for the symptoms of rubella.

Ayurvedic and Alternative Treatments for Rubella

The alternative therapies given below can help relieve some rubella symptoms and discomfort.

• Herbal Medicines: Aloe vera gel or a paste made from neem leaves may be applied to the rash to help soothe itching and discomfort. Liquorice (mulethi) may also be used for cough relief.

• Homoeopathic Medicines: Remedies such as Bryonia Alba 30C and Belladonna 3C are used in homoeopathy to manage symptoms such as fever, cough and cold.

• Pranayama: Breathing techniques such as Surya Bhedi Pranayama may promote relaxation and help reduce stress. They may also provide some relief from breathing discomfort or cough.

Note: You should only try alternative treatments for rubella as per the guidance of qualified practitioners.

Home Care for Managing Rubella

Home treatment is essential for rubella, as the condition often improves with rest, proper nutrition, and symptom management. Here are some tips:

• Drink about 8 glasses of water every day, along with other fluids, to stay hydrated.

• Take multivitamin supplements if recommended by your doctor to support overall nutritional and immune health.

• Get as much rest as possible and prioritise adequate sleep to support recovery.

• Stay away from other people for the period recommended by your doctor to reduce the chances off spreading rubella.

• Take a sponge bath to help reduce discomfort caused by fever or the rash.

• Probiotic supplements may be taken to support gastrointestinal and immune health.

• Try to reduce stress levels through relaxation, adequate rest and other calming activities.

• Take appropriate measures to manage symptoms such as fever, cough and cold as advised by your doctor.

Latest Treatment for Rubella in India

Currently, no latest treatment has been researched to cure a rubella infection. However, effective rubella-containing vaccines, including monovalent vaccines and MMR vaccines such as Tresivac, are available to prevent its spread. WHO recommends the inclusion of rubella vaccination in national immunisation programmes. Reported rubella cases declined by 97% globally between 2000 and 2022, alongside the expansion of rubella vaccination.

Side Effects of Rubella Treatment

Rubella does not have a specific treatment, but here are the side effects of the fever management medicines given during the infection:

• Allergic reactions like developing a rash

• Cloudy urine

• Itching

• Swelling of face, ankles, fingers, etc.

• Increased heart rate

• Liver and kidney damage (very rare cases)

• Difficulty breathing

• Heartburn

How Long Does Rubella Treatment Take?

Patients who have mild symptoms of rubella often get better within 7 to 10 days with proper rest and basic medical care to manage symptoms. If hospitalisation is needed for dehydration or extreme fever, the treatment duration depends on the severity of symptoms and any complications. Congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) can cause severe, long-term effects in newborns, such as hearing loss, which may require ongoing treatment and support for several months or years.

Lifestyle Changes for Managing Rubella

Following a healthy lifestyle can support the immune system, which may help the body recover from rubella more effectively. Here are some tips that can help:

• Avoid drinking alcohol during recovery.

• Limit caffeine-containing beverages such as coffee.

• Do not smoke or consume tobacco in any form.

• Follow a healthy, balanced diet and limit foods made with refined flour (maida), such as biscuits, namkeens and cakes.

• Practise meditation, mindfulness or other stress-management activities. Therapy may also help keep stress levels under control, as prolonged stress can affect immune function.

• Get adequate sleep every night and avoid staying up late or consistently sleeping for fewer hours than needed.

Triggers that Can Worsen Symptoms of Rubella

The factors mentioned below can make rubella symptoms more difficult to manage or increase the risk of complications:

• Not getting enough rest

• Excessive physical exertion

• Very high or poorly managed fever

• Not drinking enough fluids

• Pregnancy

• Advanced age

Rubella Treatment Cost

The cost of rubella treatment depends on whether the infection can be managed with home care or requires hospitalisation. For home-based care, diagnostic tests such as an Antibodies Panel IgG & IgM Test may cost around ₹1200, while an OPD consultation with a doctor may cost approximately ₹500 to ₹1500 per session.

If hospital care is needed, daycare IV fluids and observation may cost around ₹1,500 to ₹5,000 per day, while general ward admission may cost ₹5,000 to ₹15,000 per day. The overall cost can vary depending on the need for ICU care, severity of complications, type of hospital and city.

Does Health Insurance Cover Rubella Treatment in India?

Rubella treatment may be covered by health insurance depending on the type of treatment required and the terms of the policy. Most mediclaim policies cover eligible hospitalisation expenses for severe symptoms. Some plans may also cover outpatient consultations, diagnostic tests, and medications through an optional OPD add-on cover. If hospitalisation is required for severe complications such as encephalitis (brain swelling), the related treatment may also be covered, subject to the policy terms.

A medical insurance coverage of ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh may be sufficient in most cases, as rubella rarely becomes severe. People who may have a higher risk of complications, such as those with advanced age or weak immunity, may consider higher coverage.

Disclaimer: The health insurance policy documents must be checked carefully, as the coverage, waiting periods, inclusions, exclusions, and other terms may vary with policy.