Frequently Asked Questions About Measles
Measles disease is a highly contagious viral infection affecting the respiratory system. Since it spreads really quickly and may also cause death if it gets serious, there are various questions that a patient or the patient’s family may have regarding measles. In this blog, we will explore some frequently asked questions about measles and their answers. These measles FAQs will help give the patient, and their family some clarity about the disease.
Top 12 Interesting FAQs On Measles
1. What Is Measles Disease?
Measles disease is a highly contagious viral infection that begins in the respiratory system. It is an airborne disease that spreads very easily and quickly.
2. How Do I Know If I Have Measles? What Are The Symptoms Of Measles?
If you have measles, then you are likely to experience the following symptoms,
- Running nose and high Fever
- Redness in the eyes
- Sore throat and a dry cough
- Light sensitivity
- A red-colored rash that begins on the head and then gradually spreads to other parts of the body
- Tiny white spots or bumps in the mouth
3. What Are The Risk Factors That May Increase My Chances Of Contracting Measles Infection?
Your chances of contracting measles disease are high if,
- You are not vaccinated
- Have vitamin A deficiency
- You are traveling to a country where measles commonly occurs
- If you live in a locality where many people are not vaccinated
4. How Does Measles Spread?
There are several ways through which measles spreads. These include,
- Contact with the contaminated droplets released by the patient infected with measles in the air while talking, sneezing, or coughing.
- Sharing food, hugging, holding hands, or kissing an infected person.
- Sitting close to or in the same room as the infected person.
- Spread from a pregnant mother to the baby during pregnancy, birth, or while nursing.
- Touching objects that are contaminated and not sanitized, like door handles, utensils and tables, and then using the same contaminated hand to touch the face, mouth, or nose.
5. How Long Will It Take For The Symptoms Of Measles To Appear After Infection?
The symptoms of measles may appear about 10-14 days after the person has been exposed to the virus.
6. Is There A Treatment Available For Measles?
Unfortunately, there is no way measles can be treated, since it is a viral infection. However, measles disease can be prevented with vaccination.
7. How To Treat Measles At Home?
Measles can be treated at home in the following ways,
- Taking NSAIDs like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen to relieve pain and fever.
- Consuming a lot of liquids and staying hydrated.
- Taking plenty of rest.
- Keeping a humidifier in the room to ease breathing, cough, and sore throat.
- Taking Vitamin A supplements.
8. What Are The Complications That May Arise Due To Measles Disease?
Diarrhea and ear infections are potential complications of measles.
9. Which Vaccine Is Used For Measles Disease Prevention?
MMR vaccine is given for the prevention of measles. MMR stands for Measles, Mumps, and Rubella.
10. How Many Doses Of Mmr Vaccine Are Given, And At What Age It Has To Be Taken?
There are two doses of the MMR vaccine. The first dose of MMR vaccine is given between 4 to 6 years of age, whereas the second dose is given between 12 to 15 years of age.
11. I Am Not Vaccinated Against Measles And Have Contracted The Infection. Can I Still Take The Measles Vaccine?
If you are not vaccinated for measles and have contracted the infection, measles can be prevented by getting vaccinated within 72 hours of exposure to the virus.
12. How To Prevent Measles?
The best way of preventing measles is by getting vaccinated.
