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Rubella

Rubella is a contagious viral infection that is often mild, but can seriously harm a baby during pregnancy. A rash alone is not reliable for diagnosis: if you suspect rubella, call before entering a practice, and call the same day if you are pregnant or have been exposed.

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Rubella is a contagious viral infection that is often mild, but can seriously harm a baby during pregnancy. A rash alone is not reliable for diagnosis: if you suspect rubella, call before entering a practice, and call the same day if you are pregnant or have been exposed.

  • A mild fever, feeling unwell and tender glands behind the ears or at the back of the head.
  • A fine, blotchy rash that often starts on the face and spreads to the trunk and limbs.
  • Call before going to a GP or healthcare facility, and do not enter a waiting room unannounced.
  • Stay away from pregnant people and people without confirmed protection.
  • Call the same day if you are pregnant and may have been exposed to rubella, even without a rash.
  • For urgent GP care outside normal opening hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediately life-threatening situation.

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Further reading

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M
MeaslesMeasles is a highly contagious viral infection with high fever, cough, red eyes and then a rash. It can cause pneumonia, brain inflammation and death. Call before entering a healthcare facility so that others are not exposed.
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Hepatitis BHepatitis B is a viral infection of the liver that can spread through blood, sexual contact and from mother to baby around birth. The infection can be acute, but can also become chronic and silently damage the liver for years. Vaccination, testing contacts who may have been exposed and good medical guidance are important; alcohol and unproven supplements do not help.
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Pregnancy and itchingItching during pregnancy is often caused by dry or stretched skin. However, severe itching without an obvious rash, especially on the palms and soles and at night, may be obstetric cholestasis. Have this assessed the same day with bile acid and liver tests, and call immediately for reduced baby movements.