Early Symptoms & Preventive Tips For Children With Measles

Measles is a highly contagious health condition which commonly occurs in kids. As a parent, it becomes important to learn the early signs of this disease for early treatment and to prevent it from spreading. It is transmitted by contacting respiratory secretions from an infected individual, such as saliva or nasal mucus. After an infected person leaves the area, the virus can still stay in the air for up to two hours. Particularly for young infants with weakened immune systems, it can be dangerous and even fatal in some circumstances.

Early Signs Of Measles

Measles symptoms typically show up 10 to 12 days after exposure to the virus. 

High Fever

Measles can cause high fever and even raise your body temperature to 104°F. 

Red & Watery Eyes

Measles can result in eye inflammation, which can cause redness, tears, and light sensitivity.

Rashes

Rashes are one of the most noticeable symptoms of measles that first develop on your face and spread to other body parts. The rash can stay for many days and often occurs three to five  days after the onset of symptoms.

Also Read: Measles Vs Rubella: What Is The Difference Between These Viral Diseases

Fatigue 

Measles can also make your child feel tired and may even cause muscle pain.

Koplik Spots

These small, blue-white spots may appear inside the mouth two to three days before the rash does.

Preventive Tips For Measles

The first thing that you should do to protect your child from measles is to have them vaccinated. You should get your child vaccinated with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Children typically receive the MMR vaccine first when they are 12 to 15 months old and again when they are four to six years old. 

Apart from this, some preventive measures that you should follow are:

Avoid Direct Contact With Infected People

As measles is very contagious, avoiding contact with those with it is crucial. Keep your child away from anyone you know who has measles until they are no longer contagious. Even two hours after a measles carrier has left a room, your child can contract the disease by simply being there.

Also Read: Measles Infection: 8 Myths And Facts

Practice Good Hygiene

You should teach your child about good hygiene practices like frequent hand washing, covering one's mouth and nose when one cough or sneezes, and refraining from touching one's face.

Build Your Child's Immunity

Your child's immune system can aid in defending against illnesses like measles. Children who are vitamin A deficient have a higher chance of developing measles complications. Oil-based vitamin A supplements have been shown to offer protection from the severe side effects of measles.

Conclusion

If your child exhibits any of the early symptoms of measles, contact your doctor immediately for necessary measures. Keep your child away from others until the symptoms recover to avoid spreading this infection. The rash progressively disappears, beginning with the face and finishing with the thighs and feet. The cough and darkening or peeling of the skin where the rash occurred may last 10 days after other disease symptoms have subsided.