Measles: Symptoms and Measles Vaccine

Table of Contents What is measles? Measles symptoms Causes of transmission Complications of measles Treatment & treatment Prevention of measles MMR vaccine

What is measles?

Η measles is an easily transmitted disease, also known as red, and can be very serious for the children, with a high mortality rate. Although this percentage has decreased today, thanks to vaccination, still about 200.000 people die every year from it.

Η measles causes one rash with red spots which usually starts on the face and the area behind the ears, then spreads to the chest, back and finally reaches the legs.

Measles symptoms

The signs of measles they start to look approx 10 to 12 days after someone is infected. At first, you may feel like you have a cold, with a runny nose, cough and a slight fever. Your eyes may also become red and more sensitive to light. After three to seven days, your fever may be high, up to 41 C. You will also notice a red rash lasting 4-7 days, which starts on the face and spreads over the whole body. Small white spots may also appear on the gums or inside the cheek.

The main ones symptoms of measles include:

• Cold
• Dry cough
• Catarrh
• Sore throat
• Muscle pain
• High fever
• Red and swollen eyes
• Rash (large red spots)
• Small white dots inside the mouth

Measles infection stages

Measles infection develops in steps lasting from 2 to 3 weeks.

1. At the beginning, for the first ones 10 to 14 days after exposure to the virus, there are no obvious signs or symptoms. This means that the virus spreads inside the body without being noticed.
2. Then they appear mild symptoms such as mild fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and sore throat. These symptoms last 2 to 3 days.
3. The condition worsens when the feature appears skin rash, which starts on the face and gradually spreads to the body. The rash looks like red spots and may cause a sudden rise in fever.
4. Finally, the recovery it starts when the rash starts to fade, usually after 7 days, starting from the face and ending at the feet. As the symptoms subside, a cough or change in skin color on the rash areas for a few additional days.

When to see a doctor

If you think you or your child has possible contact with measles or discover a rash that looks like measles, call your doctor. Also, make sure the vaccines of your family are up to date, especially before your children go to daycare, school, college, or you plan international travel.

Causes of transmission

Η measles is one of the most easily transmitted diseases. If someone comes into close contact with a patient, there is a very high chance of contracting the disease. The virus is transmitted by droplets dispersed in the air when the patient coughs, sneezes or even just breathes. Yes, the virus can remain in the air and be infectious for up to two hours after the patient leaves the room. Someone me measles can spread the virus to others for approx 8 days. 4 days before it is seen skin rash up to 4 days after it has appeared.

How is the virus transmitted?

Η measles is transmitted from:

• Sharing food with someone with measles.
• Handshake, hug or kiss
• Touching surfaces that contain the virus and then eye contact

Also pregnant who have measles they are likely to pass the virus on to their babies during pregnancy or childbirth and during breastfeeding.

Who gets the virus more easily?

The risk factors for measles include:

• Unvaccinated
• Frequent travelers
• People with vitamin A deficiency
• People who work in health care facilities

Complications of measles

The complications of measles include:

• Diarrhea
• Ear infections
• Pneumonia
• Encephalitis
• Pregnancy complications such as low birth weight or premature birth

Treatment and Coping

There is no cure for measles, which means we have to let the virus run its course for about 10-14 days.
To treat the symptoms, you can:

• To take pain medication for headaches, body aches or fever (after consulting your doctor)
• To you are resting very
• Have a drink quite liquid
• To do gargle with salt water
• To avoid bright light if your eyes hurt

It is important to stay home from work or school so you don't pass it on measles to others. You can return to your activities after four days from the appearance of the rash. Those at home have not been vaccinated, they should be very careful because they have a high risk of getting stuck measles and should avoid contact with the sick person.

Prevention of measles

The vaccine is the best protection against measles. If you do it vaccine, you are protected and you are not likely to get measles as it is very effective.

When should you get the vaccine?

It is good to get the vaccines when you are child, as part of your vaccination programme. However, it is always better to get vaccinated at any age than not at all vaccine. Most people are vaccinated when they are babies, but you can and as an adult.

MMR vaccine

The MMR vaccine protects children from three serious diseases: measles, the red and mumps. For full protection, they are needed two doses. The First installment given to children by 12 to 15 months and second when is 4 to 5 years. If the child has not been vaccinated and exposed to the virus, the vaccine it may still offer protection if given within three days of exposure. For families traveling abroad, One early dose is possible from 6 months of age but must be followed by the usual two doses later.

For adults who are not sure if they have been vaccinated, it is important to discuss with their doctor about the possibility of receiving the vaccine, especially if they are going to travel abroad.

The pregnant women they should not be vaccinated against measles. Also, some people may need to avoid the vaccine for other reasons, such as immune system problems or allergies to previous vaccines.

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Sources:

1) Measles - Symptoms & causes
2) Measles: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment
3) Who is at risk?
4) What to know about meals
5) How can I prevent measles?