About this topic
Measles is caused by a germ. Sometimes, it is called rubeola because this is the name of the virus. The germ can cause rash; fever; cough; and red, irritated eyes. ‚
Children and adults can easily get this infection. The virus germs are passed on through droplets. They are in the air when an infected person sneezes or coughs. The germs can land on things that other people can touch. People with the illness can spread the infection for 1 to 2 days before the signs appear and up to 4 days after the rash appears. ‚
You can easily prevent this illness by getting your MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) shots. If you get the infection, doctors will treat your signs. ‚
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Do not scratch the rash. This will help lessen the risk of infection and scars. Clip your fingernails short. You may use gloves on your hands to prevent scratching.
- Apply calamine lotion on the rash to ease itching.
- Apply cold compresses or take a cool bath to help with itching.
- Drink 6 to 8 glasses of fluids each day. This will help prevent fluid loss.
- Place a warm compress on your eyes to help relieve pain.
- Stay in a cool, dimly lit room if bright lights hurt your eyes. Avoid reading, using the computer, or watching TV. Rest your eyes.
- Use a cool mist humidifier.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- Your doctor may send you to an eye expert (ophthalmologist) if your eyes get too red.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Lower fever
- Replace body fluids
- Help with pain
Note: Do not give your child any drug that has aspirin in it. This may cause a very serious illness called Reyes syndrome. ‚
Will physical activity be limited?
- Get lots of rest. Sleep when you are feeling tired. Avoid doing tiring activities.
- Ask the doctor when you can return to school or work.
What changes to diet are needed?
- Eat soft, bland foods if your mouth or throat is sore.
- Eat foods high in vitamin A like carrots, dark leafy greens, sweet potatoes, and cantaloupe.
What problems could happen?
- Very bad fluid loss
- Ear infection
- Lung problems like bronchitis and pneumonia
- Infection in the brain and nerves
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Make sure everyone in your household gets the MMR shots.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 15 seconds, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers also work to kill germs.
- Take extra care if traveling to places where measles is common, like parts of Africa or Asia.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Call for emergency help if you have:
- Trouble breathing
- Very bad headache or stiff neck
- Confusion or are less alert than as usual
- Seizure
- Call your doctor if you have:
- Signs of fluid loss. These include soft spot on a babys head looks sunken, few or no tears when crying, dark-colored urine or only a small amount of urine for more than 6 to 8 hours, dry mouth, cracked lips, dry skin, sunken eyes, lack of energy, feeling very sleepy.
- Fever that does not go away with drugs
- Earache
- Cough that lasts more than 5 days
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what may help ease my itching.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have trouble breathing, bad headache, seizures, or signs of fluid loss.
Where can I learn more?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/measles/fs-parents.html ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/lung/measles.html ‚
National Organization for Rare Disorders ‚
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/336/viewAbstract ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/measles/pages/introduction.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚