Preventive Steps to Measles

The highly contagious virus infection Measles can lead to severe health problems, including rash and fever. Measles is one of most prevalent childhood diseases, with 20 million reported cases each year. Despite the fact that measles in the United States was eradicated in 2000, it is still a problem in certain parts of the globe.

What are Measles and How Can You Help?

The virus responsible for measles spreads through direct contact or by airborne transmission when someone infected coughs or sneezes. The symptoms of measles can appear between 10 and 12 days following exposure. They include fever, red eyes and red patches. Ear infections, pneumonia and encephalitis, which is swelling of the brain, can all be serious complications.

The causes of measles

Measles virus is the main cause. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that people who have not been vaccinated are most at risk for contracting measles from direct contact with infected persons. You are also at risk if you live in areas with measles epidemics, travel to them, or have a weak immune system.

• People who are not vaccinated come in direct contact with the infected.
• Travelling to or living in areas where measles can be common
• Being around young children
• A weak immune system

Measles Treatment

Although there is not a specific measles treatment, there are steps you can take to reduce the symptoms and avoid serious complications. You should get plenty of sleep, drink fluids and take over-the-counter medication such as Acetaminophen, to lower fever and reduce pain. If secondary bacterial infections occur, antibiotics might be prescribed. Severe cases may require hospitalization.

The latest advances in measles treatment and prevention

Vaccination is the best way to prevent measles. The MMR vaccine (measles, meumps and Rubella ) is usually given to children aged between 12-15 months and a booster shot for those who are 4-6 years. All children and adults, regardless of age or history, should be vaccinated. To reduce infection risk, people should practice good hygiene practices such as frequent hand washing.

Recent advances have made it possible to prevent and treat measles. Researchers at the University of California San Francisco developed a vaccine to provide long-term immunity for measles. The World Health Organization (WHO), which recently started a campaign for vaccination of children living in high-risk areas, has significantly reduced the incidence.

Are Measles Easily Prevented?

Measles can be prevented by vaccination. Measles prevention is best achieved through vaccination. It is worth noting that measles can be contracted even after you have been vaccinated. It is therefore important to maintain good hygiene and to avoid contact with those who have been infected.

You can also prevent measles by using these other methods:

• Get vaccinated promptly
• Use soap and water to wash your hands frequently
• It is best to avoid close contact with those who have been diagnosed as carriers of the virus.
• Staying current on vaccines
• When you are coughing, sneezing, or wheezing, cover your nose and mouth.
• It is best to avoid sharing foods, beverages, utensils and other objects with others

Measles can be fatal and life-threatening. It is preventable by vaccination and hygiene. The best way to prevent the spread of the disease is to get vaccinated. It is also important that you keep up with your vaccines. Good hygiene habits, including washing hands frequently, not touching people with the virus and covering your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze, will help to reduce your risk.

Conclusion

The highly contagious virus measles can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis. Measles vaccination is the best way to prevent it. It is also important that you are up-to-date on all your vaccines. Good hygiene habits, like washing hands frequently and not coming in close proximity to people with the virus can also help lower the chance of getting it.

We discussed measles' causes, treatment options, as well as the latest advances in the prevention and treatment. There are many ways you can prevent measles. These include getting vaccinated and washing your hands frequently. These are some of the ways you can protect your family and yourself from measles.