Measles treatment

Written By The HealthMeth Team - Updated On Saturday, March 13, 2021 6:00 PM

Measles

Known as measles as a condition severe infection caused by a virus, usually preventable by the vaccine, the disease begins in the form of symptoms represented in the high temperature, runny nose, cough , followed by the appearance of spots, rash , which begins Appearing on the face, then it spreads to the head, and the treatment of measles depends mainly on treating the symptoms, and in the event of a bacterial infection, the doctor prescribes the appropriate antibiotic for this situation. [1]


Measles treatment

It was also mentioned previously that the treatment of measles is only a treatment for symptoms, but sometimes other treatment methods can be resorted to, and some measures are taken to protect uninfected people from contracting the disease, and among the most prominent of these measures and treatments are the following: [2]


Post-exposure vaccination

People without measles are given a measles vaccine within 72 hours of exposure to the measles virus. This is in order to provide them with the necessary protection that prevents them from contracting the disease, and in the event that measles occurs, the symptoms are usually milder, and the disease lasts for a shorter period. [2]


Antibody injection

When people with low immunity, such as pregnant women, infants, or those who suffer from a weakened immune system, are exposed to the measles virus, they are given an injection of an antibody known as globulin , during six days of exposure to the virus, and in the event of infection with the virus This injection is enough to make the symptoms less severe. [2]


Medicinal treatments

The drugs used to treat measles include the following three drug groups: [2]

  • Antipyretics: There are many types of antipyretics that can be used, including paracetamol, including ibuprofen , and naproxen , and it should be noted that aspirin should be avoided as a fever reducer in case of measles.
  • Antibiotics: The doctor prescribes antibiotics in the event that any type of bacterial infection appears, such as pneumonia or otitis .
  • Vitamin A: Low levels of vitamin A are often associated with the possibility of contracting measles, as rates of measles infection are higher in children who have a low level of vitamin A in the body, so vitamin A can be given to children in a large dose of up to 200,000 international units for children over Age of the year.


Lifestyle and home remedies

In addition to the necessity to follow up the disease with the doctor, and monitor for complications, a set of home measures can be taken that contribute to the treatment of measles, and among the most prominent of these measures are the following: [2]

  • Not to overdo it and not to be complacent, take things easy, get the necessary rest, and avoid crowded activities.
  • Drink plenty of water, juices, and herbal teas. To replace fluids lost due to high temperature and sweating.
  • Use throat lozenges to relieve a cough and sore throat .
  • Resting the eyes as much as possible, avoiding bright lights, reading, or watching television, as some people with measles seem to be bothered by bright lights.


Types of measles

There are two main types of measles, and they are as follows: [3]

  • Measles : It is caused by the Rubeola virus .
  • German measles : It is the result of infection with the German measles virus , and German measles is characterized by being non-infectious and less severe than regular measles. However, it poses a risk to the fetus if a woman is infected with it during pregnancy, and it should be noted that the measles , mumps and rubella vaccine contains vaccines for both types of measles.


Causes of measles

What causes measles is the arrival of a virus that causes it to the human body. Where these viruses are transmitted through droplets spread through the nose or mouth during coughing or sneezing , which allows the virus to pass from the infected person to the uninfected people, as the virus transmits to more than 90% of other people, and causes them to become ill. [4]


Symptoms of measles infection

High temperature is the first symptom that appears on people with measles, as it begins to appear 10-12 days after exposure to the virus and is infected with it, and continues for a period of 4-7 days, and during this period other symptoms appear, which include the following: [5]

  • Runny nose.
  • Red eyes.
  • Sore throat.
  • The appearance of small white spots in the mouth.
  • The appearance of a rash , which begins at the hairline and spreads to the neck, trunk and limbs.


Complications of measles infection

Studies indicate that 30% of people with measles suffer from one or more complications related to measles, as these complications can be life-threatening, such as: pneumonia , encephalitis , and from The most prominent complications related to measles are: [6]

  • Ear infection .
  • Bronchitis .
  • Croup .
  • Severe diarrhea.
  • Vision loss.
  • Pregnancy-related complications, such as: miscarriage or premature labor.
  • Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, which is a rare complication that appears years after infection with measles, is a degenerative condition that affects the nervous system.


Prevention of measles infection

Getting the measles vaccine is one of the most important preventive steps that prevent measles, but for people who are not suitable for the vaccine, they can get an injection of the aforementioned antibody if they are susceptible to measles immediately. On the other hand, the importance of reducing the risk of spread Infection to other people; Therefore, people with measles are advised not to attend school or work for at least four days from the onset of the rash accompanying the measles, and people who are more vulnerable to infection, such as children, and pregnant women should not be mixed to protect them from the disease. [7]


References

  1. "Measles: a disease often forgotten but not gone." , www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov , Retrieved May 18, 2019. Edited.
  2. ^ A b t w c "Measles" , Www.mayoclinic.org , Retrieved 18 Join Date : May, 2019. Edited by .
  3. Karen Gill, MD (Mon 15 May 2017), "Understanding the causes of measles" , www.medicalnewstoday.com , Retrieved May 18, 2019. Edited.
  4. Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD (5/13/2019), "Measles (Rubeola)" , www.medicinenet.com , Retrieved May 18, 2019. Edited.
  5. Dan Brennan, MD (March 23, 2019), "What Is Measles?" , Www.webmd.com , Retrieved May 18, 2019. Edited.
  6. Karen Gill, MD (May 8, 2019), “Everything You Need to Know About the Measles , www.healthline.com , Retrieved May 18, 2019. Edited.
  7. "Measles" , www.nhs.uk , 14/08/2018 , Retrieved May 18, 2019. Edited.