Measles in children

Measles is an infectious disease that is characterized by inflammation of the mucous membranes, fever and rash. In the body, the measles virus gets airborne. The virus is transmitted from the patient when coughing and sneezing. The causative agent is easy to conquer, it dies under the influence of environmental factors (light, air, etc.). Therefore, it is almost impossible to become infected through third parties, toys and clothes.

Symptoms of measles in children

From the moment of infection before the first signs of measles appear in children, as it melts, it lasts from 7 to 17 days (incubation period). The disease includes three stages: catarrhal, the period of rashes and the period of pigmentation. Consider step by step how the measles begins in children:

1. The catarrhal period lasts for 5-6 days. There is a dry "barking" cough, runny nose, fever, conjunctivitis, redness and swelling of the pharynx. After 2-3 days, small pink spots appear on the palate. Almost simultaneously, on the inner surface of the cheeks, it is possible to observe white spots characteristic of the measles (Filatov-Koplik stains), they resemble semolina.
2. During the rash, there is lacrimation, a fear of light, the phenomena of bronchitis increase. The temperature rises to 39-40 ° C, the child's condition deteriorates sharply, drowsiness, lethargy, loss of appetite are noted. A maculopapular rash appears on the face. It is a patch of irregular shape, they almost do not rise above the surface of the skin. Their diameter is on average 3-4 mm, they tend to merge. First of all, rashes appear behind the ears and on the forehead. The rash for 3 days gradually falls: the first day prevails on the face, the next becomes plentiful on the arms and trunk, by the third day reaches the ankles.
3. Pigmentation period. On 3-4 days after the rash the condition improves. The temperature is normalized, the rash is extinguished, leaving pigmentation (it will eventually disappear). During recovery there is drowsiness, irritability and increased fatigue.

How to treat measles in children?

In special treatment the child does not need measles. But you should keep bed rest and watch for hygiene. Also, the patient will be helped by an abundant drink (this will prevent dehydration) and easily digestible, vitamin-rich food. You do not need to lubricate the rash. It is enough to wash the child with water at room temperature. Bathing will be possible only after the temperature drops. For the removal of common symptoms (cough, temperature) apply various expectorant and antipyretic drugs. For the prevention of conjunctivitis, the eyes are washed with a cotton swab dipped in warm tea brew. To antibiotics, as a rule, do not resort. They are prescribed for suspected complications.

Prevention of measles

Today, for prophylaxis, mass immunization is carried out, making children vaccinated against measles, rubella, and mumps with a single injection. Measles in vaccinated children proceed easily and, as a rule, without complications. The first vaccination is carried out at 12-15 months, the second in six years. Measles in children under one year are extremely rare, they have passive immunity, borrowed from the mother. In the event that the baby is in contact with a sick child, the disease can be prevented by the introduction of an immunoglobulin. Immunity received in this case is retained for 30 days.

Another way to protect the baby is to avoid contact with the infection. The patient is contagious from the last two days of the incubation period to the fifth day after the onset of the rash. A child who has had measles, can return to the children's team already two weeks after the onset of the disease.