How is German measles treated?
German measles does not require any special treatment – except perhaps for a few days’ rest in bed. But you’ll have to consider the fact that the disease is infectious and can easily spread to other members of the household. Fever and muscular or joint pains can be symptomatically treated with paracetamol (eg Calpol) and ibuprofen (eg Nurofen for children). The infection period usually lasts from a week before the rash starts to one week after it has disappeared, but is at its worst when the rash is at its peak. Because of the risks to pregnant women associated with the disease (see below), it is an advantage for girls to acquire immunity before puberty. Once you have had German Measles, your body will have made antibodies to the condition that will provide immunity throughout your life. It is very rare to have more than one episode.
