Treatment of Measles

Measles is one of the contagious viral infections in the world today yet there’s no specific treatment for it. Just like other viral infections (unlike bacterial infections), they are insensitive to antibiotics, thus making it cure uneasy. This viral infection typically disappears in about two – three weeks after contraction.

There are several ways in which people who have been exposed to this virus can seek help so as to help prevent further infections or lessen its severity. Doctors could recommend to the patient a vaccine within 72 hours of exposure to the virus; dose of Immunoglobin (taken within 6 days of exposure); enough rest to boost the immune system and plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration; vitamin A supplements; drugs to ease cough and sore throat.

Also, the following measures can also help during treatment of measles if the symptoms of measles are causing discomfort for both adult and children:

• Fever and Pain: Paracetamol or ibuprofen can be used to reduce high temperature (fever) and reduce any form of aches or pains. Syrups can be used for young children. If his/her temperature is high; they should be kept in a cool environment (not cold). Also aspirin shouldn’t be given to such child if he/she is below the age of 16 years.
• Drinking of Fluids: When a child has a high temperature as a result of measles, drinking plenty of fluids e.g. water can help reduce dehydration. Helping a child hydrated can help reduce throat discomfort thereby causing cough.
• Sore Eyes: Any form of crustiness surfacing from a child’s eyelids and lashes can be gently wiped using cotton wool soaked in water. Dimming lights and closure of curtains help reduce their eyes from being hurt. The use of sunglasses is also advisable.
• Cold – Like Symptoms: Cough medicines will not relieve a measles cough. Humidifiers or placing a bowl of water in the room may help. If the child is over 12 months, a glass of warm water with a teaspoon of lemon juice and two teaspoons of honey may help. Do not give honey to infants especially babies who are under 12 months.
• Smoking: People should avoid smoking beside a child with measles.
• Those with a vitamin A deficiency and children under 2 years who have measles may benefit from vitamin A supplements. These can help prevent complications, but they should only be taken with a doctor's prescription.

Prevention of Measles

Measles can be prevented by vaccination with the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. People who have already had measles are normally immune and they are unlikely to get it again. And also, people who are not immune should consider the measles vaccine. Peradventure a patient can’t receive the MMR vaccine, a treatment called human normal immunoglobulin (HNIG) can be used if you're at immediate risk of catching measles.

• MMR Vaccine

The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the most used vaccine against measles and is usually administered in two different ways. That is the routine vaccination and special circumstances vaccination.

1. Routine Vaccination

The MMR vaccine is given as part of the routine childhood vaccination programme. A dose is usually given to a child when they're 12 to 13 months old. A second dose is given at 3 years and 4 months.

Children and their parents can be vaccinated at any point if they have not been fully vaccinated before against measles. Also, if an individual isn’t sure of being vaccinated against measles (i.e. using the MMR vaccine); having another vaccine again wouldn’t cause any harm.

2. Special Circumstances Vaccination

A dose of the MMR vaccine can also be given to anyone over 6 months of age if they're at immediate risk of catching measles. This need could arise if:

1. There's an outbreak of measles in your local area
2. An individual as been in close contact with someone who has measles

• An individual is planning on travelling to an area where the infection is epidemic.

Children who have the vaccine before their first birthday should still have the second routine doses at around 13 months of age and 3 years and 4 months.

• Human Normal Immunoglobulin

Human normal immunoglobulin (HNIG) is a special concentration of antibodies that can give short-term but immediate protection against measles.

It may be recommended for people in the following groups if they have been exposed to someone with measles:

1. Babies under 6 months of age
2. Pregnant women who have not been fully vaccinated or have not had measles before

• People with weak immune systems (for example, those with HIV or people receiving treatment that weakens their immune system, such as treatment for leukaemia)

HNIG should ideally be given within 6 days of exposure.

Other Prevention Methods

Not everyone can receive the measles vaccination. But there are other ways that you can help to prevent the spread of measles especially if an individual can easily contact any form of infection

• Practice good hand hygiene. Wash your hands before eating, after using the bathroom, and before touching your face, mouth, or nose.
• Don’t share personal items with people who may be ill. This can include things like eating utensils, drinking glasses, and toothbrushes.
• Avoid coming into contact with people who are sick

Also a patient with measles should:

• Stay home from work or school and other public places until he/she isn’t contagious. This is four days after a patient first develop the measles rash.
• Avoid contact with people who may be vulnerable to infection, such as infants too young to be vaccinated and immunocompromised people.
• Cover the nose and mouth if there is a need to cough or sneeze. Dispose of all used tissues promptly. If a tissue isn’t available, sneeze into the crook of the elbow, not into the hand.
• Wash both hands frequently and to disinfect any surfaces or objects that is touched frequently.

Measles During Pregnancy

Pregnant women who don’t have immunity to measles should take care to avoid exposure during their pregnancy. Measles during pregnancy can have significant negative health effects on both the mother and fetus.

Pregnant women are at an increased risk for complications from measles such as pneumonia. Additionally, having measles while pregnant can lead to the following pregnancy complications:

1. Miscarriage
2. Preterm labor

• Low birth weight

1. Stillbirth

Measles can also be transmitted from mother to child if the mother has measles close to her delivery date. This is called congenital measles. Babies with congenital measles have a rash after birth or develop one shortly afterward. They’re at an increased risk of complications, which can be life-threatening.