1. Understand the Rubella Virus
German measles, also called 3-day measles, are caused by the rubella virus, a form of togavirus that infects its host's respiratory tract. It is transmitted primarily through exchange of bodily fluids, particularly saliva and mucus, and you should take extra precautions against it if you're pregnant or nursing. The rubella virus can damage or destroy cells in your developing child's body, because it can traverse the placenta and infect your unborn baby. Many of the complications that result from it are permanent, irreversible and potentially serious.
2. Differentiating Rubella and Rubeola
German, or 3-day, measles caused by the Rubella virus are relatively mild. Symptoms generally only persist for a few days, and it's extremely rare for complications to develop if your child catches the disease. The rubeola virus is the causative agent in cases of full-blown measles, triggering symptoms that can be much more serious in nature. If you catch the rubeola virus, you'll be prone to developing pneumonia or ear infections, in addition to other rare but potentially difficult complications.
3. Diagnostic Techniques
To identify which causative agent is triggering your measles symptoms, your doctor will perform blood work to analyze the antibodies your immune system is producing to ward off the intruder. The type of antibody your body makes to fight the infection will differ depending on whether you have the rubella or rubeola virus.
Your best defense against the causative agents of both variants of the illness is a vaccine. As part of a standard set of childhood vaccinations, you should have received what's known as the MMR vaccine. These shots protect against the mumps and measles. However, you may need boosters in adulthood. Also, many immigrants are not adequately protected. If you want to ward off the measles, talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated or receiving booster shots.
