By early adulthood about 80 to 90 percent of persons in the United States have been infected by the rubella virus and have developed immunity. These are two different diseases caused by different viruses. When you get either disease you develop natural immunity for life. Symptoms can include low grade fever, swollen glands in the back of the neck and a rash that lasts for about three days. There is no cure.
Treatment is aimed at relieving the symptoms and preventing secondary infections.
A history of rubella illness is not reliable enough to exclude anyone from being vaccinated. A blood test can be done to determine if you have adequate immunity. Women of child-bearing age should not become pregnant for three months after receiving the vaccination. The best way to minimize the chance of pregnancy is to practice sexual abstinence or use an effective contraceptive method. An injection is given in the upper arm or thigh.