Everything You Need To Know About Measles

Measles, also known as rubeola, is a respiratory tract viral infection that is highly contagious. The virus spreads through direct contact with the infected person or through the air and can cause serious health complications and can be fatal at times. 

The measles virus is highly contagious and a person who is affected with the virus will start experiencing symptoms after ten to fourteen days of being exposed to the virus. So an infected person can spread the virus unknowingly. It is estimated that an infected person can spread the virus to nine in ten people and the virus is said to be present in the air for around two to four hours in the place or room where the infected person was present. Read along to know about measles causes and treatment and measles prevention.

What are symptoms of measles?

• High temperature
• Persistent dry cough
• Running nose
• Throat pain
• Conjunctivitis
• Red spots on the face, thighs, and behind the ears.

The symptoms will start developing in the people only after ten to fourteen days of being infected. The infected person will experience low fever with throat pain and conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis is inflammation or an infection in the eyes that turns the white part of your eyeball to red. Small red spots start as a rash first on the face of the infected person. Gradually the rash spreads to the arms, chest, back, thighs, legs, and feet. It becomes difficult by the time the rash appears and the fever also increases to a high temperature of 104 to 105 F. 

Treatment for the causes of measles virus 

Prevention is always better than cure. To avoid contact with the virus, the measles vaccine is a must take shot for adults, children, and infants. People who are diagnosed with the disease will be given a post-exposure vaccine after 72 hours of being affected by the virus. This will reduce the effect of symptoms on the infected people. People with a weaker immune system such as infants and expecting mothers who are affected by the virus will be treated with immune serum globulin by a healthcare provider. 

What to do when you have measles?

• Rest is an important factor that needs to be given priority. Free yourself from busy activities and give enough rest to your body. 
• Drink plenty of fluids to keep yourself hydrated. Avoid carbonated beverages and opt for healthy ones like fruit juices. 
• Give rest to your eyes as eye inflammation can cause pain and irritation. Avoid being exposed to bright lights, reading, watching television, or using electronic devices which can cause strain to your eyes. 

Difference between measles and chicken pox

Measles and chickenpox are frequently confused by people. Despite the fact that both viruses are members of the same family, the two diseases are very distinct. Rash development in both conditions is the cause of this misconception. However, measles typically appears as flat, red spots without any fluid inside, whereas chicken pox rashes are itchy blisters packed with fluid.