Child Health World

What is a measles virus?

Rubeola is the medical term for measles. It is a type of viral disease that is usually common during spring and winter. It can spread easily from one person to another. A virus, specifically called the paramyxovirus, causes this disease. The virus can spread through respiration transmission. This means that your child can get the measles virus if he gets in contact with an infected person's mouth and noise fluids.

Because the measles virus is contagious, incubation for about 4 to 12 days is necessary for people infected with the disease. Measles is more contagious during its early stage, specially the first five days after the rashes appeared. Although an infected person is in isolation, the virus can still possibly be present anywhere in the house. It is important to take extra precaution in using personal things and household stuff that may be a place where measles virus may thrive.

Symptoms of measles

Measles may be hard to identify in its early stage because it has some similar symptoms to other common illnesses. Here are some of the first symptoms of measles that you should watch out for:

• cough, sneezing, runny nose, conjunctivitis
• red and watery eyes
• cold and high fever
• unusual red spots along the mouth and cheeks
• appearance of white spots with red rings
• skin rashes along the neck and ears
• rampant spreading of rashes
• sore throat
• sensitivity to light
• erratic body temperature 

How do I prevent measles?

MMR vaccine is the most common type of live virus vaccine used for measles prevention. This vaccine basically improves the body's immune system to fight off the measles virus. People who were given the vaccine experience immunity to measles throughout their life.

Children 12 months below usually have strong antibodies that serve as protection for measles viruses. Anytime after their first year, these antibodies begin to wear off, this is the time when MMR vaccine is recommended to be administered.

The MMR vaccine is not for everyone. Pregnant and lactating women should be advised against taking the vaccine. Individuals who experience severe allergic episodes should consult their doctor before getting the vaccine.

What should you do in case of measles?

Firstly, it is wise to consult your doctor when you suspect your kid to have measles. It is advised that he stay in bed and be given medicine to treat hid cough or colds. If you possibly can, manage the room temperature. The place of rest should be cool and without any bright lights as most patients are sensitive to light.

With the proper medication and enough rest, measles usually go away by itself unless it is a symptom of a more serious medical complication. To be sure if there is an underlying disease that causes the presence of measles, always consult your doctor for proper advice.