The MMR vaccine is a 3-in-1 combination vaccine offering protection against measles, mumps and rubella (German measles). While only the measles vaccine is mandatory, many parents opt for the MMR vaccine for the added protection from mumps and rubella because both infections can cause serious complications. Unfortunately, the MMR vaccine has also received a lot of negative press because of supposed links to autism which is totally unfounded.
Rubella, which is commonly referred to as German measles, is a viral infection that is not seen as often as the other childhood infections like measles and chickenpox. Usually the symptoms are mild and may not be easily recognised. German measles infection only lasts for a few days so this can also be confusing to a parent. However the major risk with German measles is to pregnant women since this infection can cause birth defects.
Mumps is not a very common childhood infection but there are still occasional outbreaks in South Africa. Mumps is caused by a virus that is contagious like the flu. Complications from mumps infection is rare but if it is not monitored carefully, it can lead to serious complications that could be life threatening. One of the main characteristics of mumps is inflammation of the parotid gland, a gland which produces saliva and is located by the back of the jaw, just in front of the ears.
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Measles is a contagious viral infection that is common in childhood. Measles is also known as rubeola and should not be confused with rubella (German measles) although they may present with similar symptoms. In most cases, measles is not life threatening but in babies or HIV/AIDS patients, there is a possibility of death due to the complications associated with measles.
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