What is measles?

Measles is an infectious diseases caused by viruses. It is one of the most contagious diseases of all . Measles is known as a classic childhood disease, but unprotected young people and adults can also become infected with the measles virus. Then the disease is usually more severe than in children. In Germany, the number of measles cases has decreased significantly in the past few decades. Nevertheless, several hundred people become infected every year because they are not vaccinated.

Measles symptoms: this is how the disease can be recognized 

Parents and doctors usually recognize measles quickly by typical signs. Always consult your pediatrician with your child if you suspect that your child has measles. Measles in babies or children usually has two phases.

Initial stage measles - these symptoms appear 

The initial stages of measles begin about eight to ten days after a person becomes infected with measles. The symptom of measles are similar to those of the   flu . This phase, which lasts three to five days, is also called the pre-stage or prodomal stage. The following signs of measles can develop:

• moderate fever
• dry cough
• Sore throat
• sniff
• Fatigue, tiredness, headache and stomach ache also play a role .
• Conjunctivitis , increased sensitivity to light, watery eyes
• puffy face
• whitish coating on the cheek mucosa on the second to third day - the so-called Koplik spots

Main stage measles - rash is typical

Then comes the second phase of measles, the so-called rash stage. Measles patients get the typical reddish, blotchy skin rash ("measles rash "). The following symptoms characterize the second stage:

• The measles rash starts on the face and behind the ears and can be itchy.
• The red spots then spread all over the body. Only the palm and soles of the feet are spared the rash.
• At the same time, those affected have another attack of fever, which is typical of measles. Some experience febrile seizures. Measles without a fever is almost non-existent.
• The rash subsides after four to seven days: the spots darken and fade. The skin can flake off easily.
• At the same time, the fever drops within five to seven days.  

Only when the measles rash has completely disappeared, the sick are no longer considered to be infectious. If there are no complications, you should expect the disease to last for around two weeks. Measles in adults is often more severe than in babies and children.

Measles: infection happens very quickly 

Measles are highly contagious. The measles virus mainly attacks immune cells and nerve cells. Measles is transmitted mainly through droplet infection , i.e. when coughing, sneezing or speaking. Measles sufferers catapult millions of droplets into the air that contain the measles virus. If unvaccinated people breathe these in, they can become infected. The measles virus can enter the conjunctiva and enter the bloodstream. The transmission route of smear infection is also known:

• Infection with measles is also possible if you come into contact with infectious secretions from the mouth or throat.
• Even if you share objects contaminated with viruses, such as cutlery or drinking glasses, you can catch measles.

Incubation period in measles 

Usually eight to ten days pass between the infection and the appearance of the first symptoms (incubation period), more rarely it is up to 21 days. It usually takes two weeks for the typical rash to develop. Those who contract measles are contagious about three to five days before and about four days after the rash appears.  

Measles virus is highly infectious 

The measles virus is the cause of measles disease . Almost every contact between an unprotected person and a sick person leads to infection - even if they are a few meters apart. Of 100 people who have not been vaccinated and who have not yet had measles, 95 fall ill. The measles pathogen occurs only in humans. So it can only be transmitted from person to person . Animals cannot become infected and cannot pass the virus on.

 

 

Measles progression - often problem-free, but not always 

In most cases, measles heals without complications or consequential damage within about two weeks. However, around ten to 20 percent of measles sufferers develop complications, especially children under five and adults over 20 years of age. Anyone who has ever had measles is protected from this infectious disease for a lifetime. Because the body forms defense substances against the pathogen, so-called antibodies. When contact is made again, the immune system recognizes the culprit, attacks and eliminates him.

Measles vaccination as an effective protection against disease 

With a measles vaccination, you can effectively protect your child and yourself from measles. Doctors recommend a combined measles, mumps and rubella vaccination (MMR vaccination with a combination vaccine). But there is also a single vaccine against measles.

Measles vaccination - how often and when? 

The following overview shows when and how often a measles vaccination is recommended for children, adolescents and adults:

• Children: Experts recommend vaccination protection in two steps. The first measles vaccine should be given to children by vaccination between the ages of 11 and 14 months. The second vaccination follows at the earliest four weeks after the first vaccination and at the latest towards the end of the second year of life. Only then is protection against measles complete. If children go to daycare before they are eleven months old, they can also receive the first vaccination earlier - but at nine months at the earliest.   
• Unvaccinated children and adolescents should get the two measles vaccinations as soon as possible.
• Unvaccinated adults born after 1970 should get the measles vaccination if they were not vaccinated at all or only vaccinated once as a child. People born before 1970 have probably already had measles and are therefore protected.

When does the measles vaccination work? 

Experts estimate that 91 percent of people are protected from measles after the first vaccination and up to 99 percent after the second vaccination. So getting measles despite being vaccinated is extremely rare.
Another advantage of vaccination is the so-called herd protection . If many people are vaccinated, they can no longer transmit the pathogen. So you also protect those people who cannot be vaccinated against measles. These include, for example, newborns, pregnant women and people with chronic diseases and a weakened immune system.

Post-virus vaccination and passive immunization 

Sometimes healthy but not vaccinated people come into contact with measles sufferers. In this case, the measles outbreak can be prevented by vaccination (MMR vaccine) in good time after contact. People with weakened immune systems and chronic diseases benefit from passive immunization . Doctors use finished antibodies (human immunoglobulin) against the measles virus two to three days after contact. The vaccine protection starts immediately, but does not last long. Passive immunization is also an option for pregnant women and children under six months of age. The active measles vaccination is not possible in both cases.

Measles vaccination - possible side effects 

Most people can take it very well to be vaccinated against measles. The following side effects are possible with a measles vaccination:

• In some people, the puncture site swells slightly and the skin turns red.
• Sometimes the measles vaccine causes a fever and a rash. These so-called vaccine measles are not contagious and heal after a few days.

Vaccination critics believe that the measles vaccination may be associated with autism or Crohn's disease. So far, however, no study has been able to prove this connection. The measles vaccination is safe , does not leave any damage and offers reliable protection.

Measles: treating symptoms

There is no measles therapy that directly addresses the cause - the measles virus . Antibiotics have no effect on measles because they only fight bacteria and not viruses. The measles triggers are viruses. However, doctors can treat measles by relieving symptoms, such as fever .

If you suspect that you or your childs may have measles, you should call your doctor beforehand. In this way, the staff can ensure that no other patient is infected in the doctor's office.

Helpful Measures Treatment Measures 

• Measles patients are best to keep strict bed rest and take it easy. The immune systems is already working at full speed. You will not be able to get up until the fever has gone away for three days. Because of the high risk of infection, measles patients are not allowed to go to kindergarten, school or work.
• Bring fresh air into the bedroom and darken it. Because many are sensitive to bright light.
• Eat several light meals throughouts the day that do not strain the stomach or intestines.
• Consumes plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables to help strengthen the immune system.
• Make sure you drink enough fluids, especially if you have a fever. Choose herbal tea, water or fruit juice spritzers.
• Cold calf compresses lower the fever.
• Sometimes antipyretic drugs are also helpful - but only after consulting your doctor.
• Cough suppressants relieve the urge to cough. In some cases, agents that loosen the mucus also help. The same applies here: Always ask the doctor first.
• Antibiotics help if you are also infected with bacteria, such as pneumonia or otitis media .

Caution: febrile seizures, severely inflamed eyes, breathing problems, severe headache , vomiting , impaired consciousness or a stiff neck can indicate encephalitis - call the emergency doctor

 immediately!

 Techcrunchpro    thepinkcharm  themarketinginfo   worldmarketingtips technologybeam