Symptoms Measles
The appearance of early symptoms of measles occurs about one to two weeks after contracting the virus. These symptoms will disappear about two weeks later. Here are the initial symptoms that will be experienced by people with measles:
- Eyes red, swollen, and sensitive to light.
- Signs resembling a cold (eg sore throat, dry cough, and runny nose).
- Small, grayish white patches in the mouth and throat.
- High fever.
- Limp and tired.
- Pain.
- Do not get excited and lose your appetite.
- Diarrhea
- Throws up.
Measles rashes appear no later than four days after the first symptoms appear, and last about seven days. It will initially appear from behind the ear, then spread to the head and neck, until finally throughout the body. The small-sized patches will swell rapidly, until eventually it fuses.
You should contact your doctor, clinic, or the nearest hospital if you suspect your child has measles.
Prevention of Measles
The best way to prevent measles is by immunization since childhood. There are two choices of measles vaccination. The first is a measles-specific vaccine that the government enters into a compulsory immunization program. This vaccine is given at the age of 9 months, 2 years, and 6 years. The second type of vaccine is the MMR which is a joint vaccine for measles, mumps and German measles. This vaccine is given at the age of 12-13 months and at the age of 3-5 years.
A newborn will have antibodies to measles if the mother has had measles or has received measles vaccinations before becoming pregnant. These antibodies will provide protection for the first few months. Therefore a special vaccine for measles or MMR should be given when a baby is over half a year old.
Both types of measles vaccine above are not recommended for pregnant women who have not been protected from measles. But for women who want to get pregnant and have not been exposed to measles, he can be vaccinated against measles. See a doctor for more information about measles and its effects on pregnant women.
Measles is very contagious. If you suffer from measles, avoid the crowded center at least four days after the appearance of the measles rash for the first time. This is important to avoid infections spread to others. Avoid direct contact with people susceptible to viral infections such as toddlers, young children, and pregnant women.
Measles Treatment
Diagnosis of measles usually can be enforced by the doctor just by looking at the characteristics of spots or rashes that are in the mouth and based on the explanation of the symptoms you experience.
However, in some cases, your doctor may advise you to perform a simple blood test as well as examination of viral cultures from saliva to confirm the diagnosis. However, these two tests are rarely done unless you show less obvious symptoms.
The human immune system will naturally fight against measles virus infection. There is no specific medicine for treating measles. The condition of the patient will usually improve without special treatment within one to two weeks.
Before the immune system against viral infections, the body will feel less comfortable due to symptoms of measles experienced. There are several ways that can help the body's immune against measles virus, among them:
Increase Fluid intake
Give plenty of drinking water to the child to avoid dehydration. Water consumption can also relieve a sore throat due to cough. Remember that when the body is on a fever, the need for fluids increases.
Controlling Fever and Reducing Pain
Generally for adults who experience fever and pain, consumption of paracetamol or ibuprofen can be done. You can also provide paracetamol in liquid form for your child.
Drugs When and After Measles Attack
Drugs like Vitamin A and antibiotics may be prescribed by a doctor once symptoms appear. In addition, measles vaccination options are also available. For example a measles prevention shot that can be given 72 hours after symptoms appear or injection of immune globulin serum for infants or pregnant women after 6 days of exposure to the virus. Talk to your doctor to find out the right treatment for you or your child.
Overcoming Eye Sickness
Use a water-soaked cotton cloth to clean eye droppings during measles infections. Eye of measles sufferers will become more sensitive to light. To overcome this, close the window with a curtain or replace the dimmer light at night.
Treating Other Symptoms
There are likely to appear similar symptoms such as runny nose like a runny nose or cough. You can eat hot drinks to relieve these symptoms. In addition, you can do inhalation therapy of steam.
For small children, you can bathe with warm water. Warm drinks containing lemon and honey can be given to small children. Keep in mind that giving honey is not recommended for children under one year.
Be aware of the Serious Disease
Be aware of the possibility of complications when the body is at war with this infection. Signs of the emergence of more serious conditions are:
- Decreased awareness, marked one by constantly feeling sleepy.
- Symptoms of dehydration, such as dry mouth or reduced frequency of urination.
- Coughing up blood.
- Convulsions.
- Confusion.
- Hard to breathe.
- Pain in the chest, especially when breathing.