How many times can one contract rubella in a lifetime?
I had rubella before, and recently someone close to me has contracted the disease, which has made me worried again. I would like to ask how many times a person can get rubella in a lifetime, and whether having it once provides immunity?
Doctor's answer (1)
In general, a person will only be infected with rubella once in their lifetime, because after the initial infection, the body develops long-lasting immunity that prevents reinfection.
Rubella is caused by the rubella virus. After the initial infection, the body produces antibodies against the virus, which effectively protect against subsequent infections. This immune protection is primarily achieved through the production of specific antibodies in the body, including two types: IgM and IgG.
IgM is the first antibody to appear during the initial infection, while IgG develops later during the infection and can persist in the body for a long time, providing long-term immune protection. However, in very rare cases, individuals with weakened immune systems who frequently come into contact with rubella patients may face a risk of reinfection. Nevertheless, such cases are extremely rare.
For pregnant women, preventing rubella infection is particularly important. It is recommended that individuals who have not previously been infected or who have not completed vaccination should receive the vaccine in a timely manner. Enhancing the body's disease resistance can also effectively prevent reinfection with rubella.
