The treatment for measles is to alleviate symptoms through rest, hydration and remedies like Paracetamol for about 10 days, which is the time duration of the disease.
This disease is most common in children and their treatment is done to control unpleasant symptoms such as fever, general malaise, lack of appetite, itching, and red patches on the skin that may develop into small wounds.
Measles is a highly contagious disease through airborne saliva droplets, and the period of greatest risk of transmissibility is after the appearance of blemishes on the skin.
How long does measles last?
The duration of measles is 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 contaminate others and so it is very important that everyone take the triple-virus vaccine that protects against measles, mumps and rubella.
How to relieve measles symptoms
As there is no specific treatment to eliminate measles virus, treatment is then used to relieve symptoms and should include:
1. Stand and drink water
Getting enough rest so that the body can recover and fight the virus and drink lots of water, tea or coconut water is very important for a good recovery, also helping to prevent dehydration. Here's how to make flavored water by placing lemon, orange or aromatic herbs.
2. Taking medicines
The doctor may indicate the use of medicines for fever and pain relief such as Paracetamol, Ibuprofen or Tylenol, provided they do not contain acetylsalicylic acid in their composition and therefore are contraindicated as AAS, Aspirin, Doril or Mejoral, for example.
Vitamin A supplementation may be helpful for children with measles because it reduces the risk of death and is indicated in the case of a vitamin deficiency that can be seen on 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 capable of ameliorating the symptoms caused by the virus, but can be indicated if the doctor notices that there is some bacterial infection.
3. Wear cold compresses
Measles can cause conjunctivitis and the eyes may become reddish and very sensitive to light and producing a lot of secretion. To solve this you can clean the eyes with cold compress wet in saline, whenever there is secretion and the use of dark glasses can be useful even in the house.
Cold compresses may also be helpful in lowering the fever and for this you should put a wet gauze with cold water on the forehead, neck or underarms to naturally lower body temperature.
4. Humidify the air
To fluidize the secretions, facilitating their withdrawal can humidify the air, placing a basin with water in the room where the patient is. This care also helps to keep the larynx less irritated, relieving the throat discomfort. In case of persistent cough the doctor may prescribe cough medicines like Desloratadine, for example. Here are 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 sarmpo may cause:
- Bacterial infections such as pneumonia or otitis media;
- Ecchymosis or spontaneous bleeding, since the amount of platelets can decrease greatly;
- Encephalitis, a type of brain infection;
- Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, a serious complication of measles that produces brain damage.
These complications of measles are more common in malnourished individuals or those with compromised immune systems.
How to avoid getting measles
The best way to avoid getting measles is to take measles vaccine, which is especially indicated at 12 months, booster at age 5, but can be taken by anyone who has not yet been vaccinated.
Those who took the vaccine are protected for life and do 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, so keep away from contaminated people and immediately take the vaccine at a health clinic.
Warning signs to go to the doctor
You should see your doctor if you develop symptoms such as:
- Fever above 40 ° C because there is a risk of seizures;
- If the person vomits because of coughing;
- Signs of dehydration such as deep eyes, very dry skin, crying without tears and little pee;
- If you can not get 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 for fluid from the vein.
Rarely the person with measles suffers from 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.
