Measles is a viral illness that mostly affects children. The measles vaccination has drastically reduced the incidence of this once-common disease.
Measles, often known as rubeola, is a highly contagious respiratory illness that may have devastating effects on young children.
Vaccination has reduced the rates of measles infections.
How Does Measles Spread?
The virus which causes measles is very contagious. Droplets carrying the virus are released into the air whenever an infected person sneezes or coughs.
In the air or on a surface, the droplets maintain their activity for a few hours. Your infant is at risk of infection if he comes into touch with these droplets.
The measles virus spreads to your infant if they are in the same room as an infected person or have direct contact with them. Your unvaccinated infant will most likely get infected if exposed to measles.
How Serious Is Measles In Children/Babies?
Measles is a potentially deadly disease. Complications are more common in children less than five years old and in people older than 20 years old.
Ear infections and stomach upsets are frequent side effects. Pneumonia and encephalitis are two of the most severe problems that might arise.
Treatment For Measles
Treatments for measles in infants concentrate on symptom management and may include :
Medicines for lowering the fever : Depending on the child’s age, medications are prescribed to reduce temperature and relieve discomfort.
Saline nasal drop : Regular saline drops to clean your baby’s nose may assist with congestion.
Use salt water : Several times a day, rinse your mouth with cool water and a pinch of salt to alleviate the discomfort.
Antibiotics : Any secondary bacterial illnesses, including pneumonia or ear infections, caused by measles may be treated with antibiotics.
How Can I Protect My Newborn From Measles?
Ensure that your kid does not come into contact with somebody who has not had the measles vaccine and has visited or lived in a country where the disease is present.
It’s also not a good idea to bring a newborn to places that tend to be crowded. You should discuss the MMR vaccination with your child’s physician.
Are Roseola & Measles The Same Thing?
Baby measles is often misdiagnosed as roseola by worried parents. Different viruses cause roseola and measles, and roseola rarely results in serious consequences in otherwise healthy children.
Three to five days of high fever and other symptoms characterise the onset of a roseola infection.
In certain cases, the rashes generated by different viruses might be distinguishable. The measles rash is flat and appears first on the face before moving down the rest of the body.
Symptoms of roseola include a rash with raised patches that often appear on the boot. The rash might spread to your face, legs, and arms.
When you push on any of the dots, you may also see a white ring appear around them.
When To See A Doctor?
If your kid has any of these, it’s time to call the doctor :
Symptoms that persist or worsen with time.
There are new symptoms.
Measles Prevention In Children
Vaccination against measles often occurs in tandem with protection against mumps and rubella. Both of your children will need to have the MMR vaccination.
The first shot is administered between 12 and 15 months of age. Between the ages of 4 and 6, a second dosage is administered.
Takeaway
Check with your doctor to check whether you or your children still need the measles vaccine if you have any doubts about whether or not you or they have received the entire series of shots.
Since measles is a live vaccination, it should not be given to children with compromised immune systems or who are using immunosuppressant drugs.
FAQs
Why is measles particularly dangerous for babies? Babies have weaker immune systems, making them more susceptible to severe complications like pneumonia or encephalitis.
Can measles be prevented in babies? Vaccination with the MMR vaccine is the most effective prevention method.
What are the symptoms of measles in babies? Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash.
When should I see a doctor for measles in my baby? Immediate medical attention is needed for high fever, breathing difficulties, or seizures.
What are the complications of measles in babies? Complications may include ear infections, diarrhoea, and severe respiratory or neurological issues.
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