$Unique_ID{BRK00441}
$Pretitle{Special Procedures and Laboratory Tests, Infections or Parasites}
$Title{Wrist Pain and Rash After a German Measles Shot}
$Subject{measles immunization reaction}
$Volume{P-20, A-20}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Wrist Pain and Rash After a German Measles Shot


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QUESTION:  My physician thought it would be a good idea for me to catch up on
my shots before my recent marriage.  When he found out that I have never
caught the German measles nor had the injection, he advised that too.
Everything was alright until almost 5 weeks later, when I began to get pain in
my wrists and broke out in a rash.  Did I get the German measles from the shot
and am I now immune?

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ANSWER:  Under the circumstances your doctor's advice was sound and you did
the correct thing in getting all of your immunizations and shots up to date.
Rubella immunization is particularly important for a newlywed as the
complications of pregnancy and German measles are often tragic, particularly
during the first three months of pregnancy when the fetus can be so terribly
damaged by the rubella virus.  Today we use a live, attenuated type of rubella
vaccine, where the virus has been altered and is no longer able to provoke the
disease in humans.  It can be given as a single immunization or combined with
a mumps vaccination in a single injection.  The side effects are well
documented, and that is what you experienced.  Patients may experience fever,
rash, and swollen glands in the neck and behind the ears, as well as
arthralgia (joint pains) in as many as 40 percent of the cases.  These side
effects can appear as late as 2 to 10 weeks after the injection and usually
last only for a few days.  You are not infectious during this time, as you are
having only an unwanted side effect, not the disease.  The good news is that
your goal has been achieved despite the small incovenience and you are now
protected against a real case of the German measles.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
