- How long does measles last
- How to relieve measles symptoms
- 1. Rest and drink water
- 2. Taking medications
- 3. Use cold compresses
- 4. Humidify the air
- Possible complications
- How to avoid getting measles
- Warning signs to go to the doctor
Measles treatment consists of relieving symptoms through rest, hydration and medications like Paracetamol, for about 10 days, which is the duration of the disease.
This disease is more common in children and its treatment is done in order to control unpleasant symptoms such as fever, general malaise, lack of appetite, itching and reddish spots on the skin that can progress to small wounds.
Measles is a highly contagious disease, through droplets of saliva that mirror the air, and the period of greatest risk of transmissibility is after the appearance of spots on the skin.
How long does measles last
Measles lasts approximately 8 to 14 days, but in most individuals it lasts 10 days. Four days before the first symptoms of the disease appear until their complete remission, the individual can infect others and that is why it is very important that everyone gets the triple-viral vaccine that protects against measles, mumps and rubella.
How to relieve measles symptoms
As there is no specific treatment to eliminate the Measles virus, the treatment then serves to alleviate the symptoms and must include:
1. Rest and drink water
Getting enough rest so that the body can recover and fight the virus and drinking plenty of water, tea or coconut water is very important for a good recovery, also helping to prevent dehydration. See how to make flavored water by placing slices of lemon, orange or aromatic herbs.
2. Taking medications
The doctor can indicate the use of medicines for the relief of fever and pain such as Paracetamol and / or Ibuprofen as long as they do not contain acetylsalicylic acid in their composition and therefore medications such as AAS, Aspirin, Doril or Melhoral, for example, are contraindicated.
Vitamin A supplementation can be useful for children with measles because it reduces the risk of death, being indicated in case of lack of this vitamin that can be seen in a blood test or when the mortality rate due to measles is high. The dose should be taken and repeated after 24 hours and after 4 weeks.
Antibiotics are not indicated for the treatment of measles, because they are not able to improve the symptoms caused by the viruses, but they can be indicated if the doctor observes that there is a bacterial infection associated with the viral condition caused by the Measles virus.
3. Use cold compresses
Measles can cause conjunctivitis and the eyes can be red and very sensitive to light and produce a lot of secretion. To improve these signs and symptoms, you can clean your eyes with a cold compress wetted with saline, whenever there is secretion and the use of dark glasses can be useful even indoors.
Cold compresses can also be useful for lowering the fever and for that, a gauze wet with cold water should be placed on the forehead, neck or armpits to naturally lower the body temperature.
4. Humidify the air
To fluidize secretions and facilitate their removal, air can be humidified by placing a basin of water in the room where the patient is. This care also helps to keep the larynx less irritated, relieving throat discomfort. In case of persistent cough the doctor may prescribe medications such as Desloratadine, for example. See the 5 ways to humidify the air at home.
Possible complications
Measles is a self-limiting disease that usually does not cause complications, however, in rare cases measles can cause:
- Bacterial infections such as pneumonia or otitis media; Bruising or spontaneous bleeding, since the amount of platelets can decrease considerably; Encephalitis, a type of brain infection; Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, a serious complication of measles that produces brain damage.
These measles complications are more common in individuals who are malnourished or have an impaired immune system.
How to avoid getting measles
The best way to avoid Measles is to get vaccinated with the Measles vaccine, which is especially indicated at 12 months, with a booster dose at 5 years old, but which can be taken by all people who have not yet been vaccinated.
Whoever had the vaccine is protected for life and does not have to worry if there is a case of measles in a nearby region. However, those who have not yet been vaccinated can be contaminated and therefore should stay away from infected people and get the vaccine immediately at a health center.
Warning signs to go to the doctor
You should go to the doctor if you have symptoms such as:
- Fever above 40ºC because there is a risk of seizures; If the person vomits because of coughing; Signs of dehydration such as sunken eyes, very dry skin, crying without tears and little pee; If you cannot drink fluids; If other symptoms appear.
These signs may indicate that there has been a worsening of the condition, requiring a new medical evaluation because other medications may be used or hospitalized to receive fluids through the vein.
Rarely does the person with measles have complications, but these can arise if they have a very weak immune system or if the virus reaches the brain, for example, which is not common.
Learn more about measles in the following video:
