If your child received the rubella vaccine when he/she was 15 months old, the chance of him/her developing rubella is extremely low. If however, your child has not been vaccinated then it is quite possible that your child might get rubella
Rubella is a mild viral illness that causes little problem in childhood. In childhood it causes a "flu" like illness with mild swelling of the glands, particularly those at the back of the neck and a fine pinkish red rash. In addition adults can develop painful joints (arthritis)
If a pregnant woman develops rubella it is very likely that her unborn baby will also be infected and the consequences can be devastating. Rubella infection in the unborn can cause severe mental retardation, eye defects, deafness, heart problems and a wide variety of other congenital abnormalities.
Anyone who is not immune to it and who has contact with someone with rubella can get rubella. People who have either received rubella vaccine (part of the mmr) or who have had rubella are immune. A simple blood test can tell whether or not you are immune o it. As many viral illnesses are similar to rubella, and are often mistaken for it, you cannot consider yourself immune unless you have had the blood test or been vaccinated.
If you and your child have received rubella vaccine or you have been tested and know that you are immune, there is no need for concern. If your child has not been vaccinated and has not had rubella, bring them to your family doctor for vaccination. The vaccine will not protect them if they have been exposed this time, but it will protect them from future exposures. If you are pregnant or likely to become pregnant, contact your doctor and find out whether you are immune or not. If you are not immune (and are not pregnant), then contact your doctor and arrange to get the vaccine.
If your child develops a "flu", with a fine red rash and swelling of the glands behind the ears arrange for your doctor to see the child. He / She will be able to tell you if it looks like rubella and advise you what to do. If you suspect rubella, do not bring the child into a crowded surgery waiting room, as this may only spread the infection further. There is no treatment for rubella and symptoms resolve over a few days.
Children with rubella must stay at home until at least 7 days after the appearance of the rash.