Measles is an airborne illness caused by viruses and is highly infectious. It can be asymptomatic for up to twelve days from the time you've caught it, and the symptoms can last from 10 to 14 days.
Measles can also refer to as rubeola or 10-day measles and red measles, and it's not the same thing as German measles or rubella.
Symptoms:
Measles symptoms and signs appear within 10 to 14 days following contact with the disease. The symptoms and signs generally comprise:
- Fever
- Dry cough
- Nasal runny
- Sore throat
- Inflamed eyes (conjunctivitis)
- Tiny white spots with blueish-white centres, set against the red background in the mouth, in the cheek's lining, sometimes referred to as Koplik's spots.
- A skin rash consisting of flat, large spots that usually can merge into each other
Causes:
The measles virus is a highly infectious virus known as Morbillivirus. In reality, in the case, ten people who are not vaccinated share the same room as someone who had measles; nine of them would contract measles. Measles transmits through:
- Droplets of contamination get blown through the air when the person coughs, wheezes, or converse.
- Kissing someone with measles.
- Food or drinks with someone who has measles.
- Holding hands, shaking hands, or hugging someone covered in measles.
- From mothers to their infants — whether during pregnancy, during the delivery, or while nursing.
The droplets of airborne respiratory fluids may remain in the room after the measles patient has gone.
It could take anywhere from six to 21 days for you to experience symptoms of measles once you've contracted the virus. It is known as the incubation time, and it's contagious for about four days before developing a rash, which can last for four days following the time when your rash begins.
Diagnosis:
A doctor may identify measles from the usual symptoms like the rash and fever, mainly if the patient has recently been abroad or exposed to someone who had the rash and fever. Blood and tissue tests in the laboratory (from the nose or throat swab) will verify the diagnosis, and a urine sample can reveal an indication of the viral.
Treatment:
There's no cure for measles, and the virus must take its course, typically between 10 and 14 days.
There are a variety of things that can improve your mood like:
- Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help to treat discomfort, pain, or fever.
- Resting well.
- Consuming enough fluids.
- Drinking salty water.
- Avoid harsh lighting if your eyes hurt.
Take note not to give aspirin to teens or children unless your doctor specifically instructs you to do so due to the risk of developing Reye's syndrome.
Conclusion:
The most effective way to avoid measles is by getting a vaccination. Anyone working in healthcare facilities must use personal protective equipment, including gowns, masks, and other clothing, whenever they contact bodily fluids. It is best to wash your hands before and after putting on gloves.
Children who work or work in other fields are ideal for staying clear of physical contact with sick people and following a proper wash-your-hands method. Follow the instructions from your company.
FAQ:
- What could be the potential complications?
Diarrhoea or hearing infections that could cause losing hearing could be because by measles. Pneumonia and swelling of the brain are two other possible problems.
- What are the initial signs, and how fast do they typically show up?
Most people experience a fever, cough, running nose, and eyes red at first. In a matter of days, the red pimple develops on the face and maybe spread to other parts of your body. If you see any of the symptoms, speak to your doctor immediately.
- What can you do to prevent measles?
There are two doses of the MMR vaccine. The first dose is when a child reach 12 months old, and the second dose is before entering kindergarten. But if the child is younger than 12 months old and travelling to a region where measles are prevalent, the first dose could be administered when the child is nine months old and another one at the age of 12.
- Do adults need to get the MMR vaccine?
The vaccine is only effective against the disease if you had two doses as a child, and there's no need for an additional shot.
- If you suspect measles in your home but aren't vaccinated, could you still receive the measles vaccine?
You need to do it within 72 hours after exposure to make it effective.
Agilus Diagnostics, a subsidiary of Fortis Healthcare Limited
