- When to get the measles vaccine
- How to tell if your baby has measles
- How to confirm the diagnosis
- How the treatment is done
Although very rare, the baby between 6 months and 1 year old can be contaminated with measles, presenting several small spots all over the body, fever above 39ºC and easy irritability.
Measles is an extremely contagious but relatively rare disease that can be prevented with the administration of the measles vaccine, included free of charge in the National Vaccination Plan. However, this vaccine is only indicated after the first 12 months of age and, therefore, some babies may end up having the disease before that age.
When to get the measles vaccine
The measles vaccine included in the National Vaccination Plan must be made after the first year of age. This is because during the first months of life, the baby is protected with the measles antibodies it received from the mother during pregnancy and during exclusive breastfeeding and, therefore, is protected from the disease.
However, children who did not exclusively breastfeed may have a lower number of antibodies, which ends up facilitating the onset of the disease before 12 months and before having the vaccination. In addition, if the mother never got the measles vaccine or did not have the disease, she may also not have antibodies to pass to the baby, increasing the risk of the baby developing measles.
Find out more about the measles vaccine and how the vaccination schedule should be done.
How to tell if your baby has measles
Initially, when the first spots on the skin appear, measles can be mistaken for an allergy, however, and unlike what happens with the allergy, the baby may show other symptoms such as:
- Fever above 39ºC; Intense irritability; Persistent dry cough; Runny nose and redness in the eyes; Decreased appetite.
In addition, it is common for the spots to appear first in the scalp region with a reddish-purple color and only then to spread throughout the body. Also in cases of measles, the baby may develop small blue-white spots inside the mouth that disappear in 2 days.
When noticing any of these symptoms, parents should take the child to the pediatrician as soon as possible to confirm the diagnosis of measles and indicate the necessary treatment.
How to confirm the diagnosis
The best way to confirm the diagnosis of measles is to consult a pediatrician, to assess the child's symptoms and medical history, however, if there is a suspicion that the spots may be caused by another disease, the doctor may also ask for a blood test, for example.
How the treatment is done
The treatment for measles in the baby is done with the intake of painkillers and antipyretics such as Dipyrone, to decrease the symptoms of the disease. The World Health Organization also recommends vitamin A supplementation for all children diagnosed with measles.
Measles lasts an average of 10 days and during this period it is recommended to offer a light diet and to offer plenty of water and freshly prepared fruit juices to avoid dehydration. If the baby is still breastfeeding, he must offer the breast several times a day, bathe in cold water and make the baby sleep longer so that his immune system fights the disease.
- To lower the fever naturally: Use a cold compress, placing it on the baby's forehead, neck and groin. Putting light clothes on and keeping the baby in a well-ventilated place are also strategies that help control the temperature. See more tips for lowering baby fever. To keep the baby's eyes always clean and free of secretions: Pass a piece of cotton soaked with saline, always wiping the eyes from the inner corner of the eye to the outer corner. Offering cold, unsweetened chamomile tea can help keep your baby hydrated and calmer, making recovery easier. Learn other precautions to control conjunctivitis in the baby.
Some pediatricians also recommend an antibiotic to prevent complications caused by measles, such as otitis and encephalitis, but only in the case of malnutrition or impairment of the immune system because measles rarely has these complications.
Watch the following video and learn all about measles:
