Rubeola
There's no specific treatment for measles, but the condition usually improves within 7 to 10 days.Your GP will probably suggest taking things easy at home until you're feeling better.
Stay away from work or school for at least four days from when the measles rash first appears to reduce the risk of spreading the infection.
You should also try to avoid contact with people who are more vulnerable to the infection, such as young children and pregnant women.
If the symptoms of measles are causing discomfort for you or your child, there are some things you can do to treat these while you wait for your body to fight off the virus.
Paracetamol or ibuprofen can be used to reduce a high temperature (fever) andrelieve any aches or pains if your child is uncomfortable.
Liquid infant paracetamol can be used for young children. Aspirin should not be given to children under 16 years old.
Speak to your pharmacist if you're not sure which medications are suitable for your child.
If your child has a high temperature, make sure they drink plenty of fluidsas they may be at risk of dehydration .
Keeping hydratedmay also help reduce throat discomfort caused by coughing.
You can gently clean away anycrustiness from your child's eyelids and lashes using cotton wool soaked in water.
Closing curtains or dimming lights can help if bright light is hurtingtheir eyes.
If your child has cold -like symptoms, such as a runny nose or a cough , there are a number of things you can do to help them feel more comfortable.
For example,it might help your child if they sit in a hot, steamy bathroom. Or you could put a wet towel on a warm radiator to moisten the air, which may help ease your child's cough.
Drinking warm drinks, particularly ones containing lemon or honey, may also help to relax the airways, loosen mucus, and soothe a cough. Honey should not be given to babies under 12 months.
If you or your child has measles, you should keep an eye out for any signs of the serious complications that can sometimes develop.
Signs of a more serious problem include:
Go to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department or call for an ambulance if you or your child develop any of these symptoms.
.
Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can be very unpleasant and sometimes lead to serious complications. Anyone can get measles if they haven't been vaccinated or they haven't had it before, although it's most common in young children.
Measles starts with cold-like symptoms that develop about 10 days after becoming infected. This is followed a few days later by the measles rash. Initial symptoms include; a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, watering eyes, swollen eyelids, etc.
There's no specific treatment for measles, but the condition usually improves within 7 to 10 days. Your GP will probably suggest taking things easy at home until you're feeling better.
More common complications of measles include: diarrhoea and vomiting, which can lead to dehydration. Middle ear infection (otitis media), which can cause earache. Eye infection (conjunctivitis) inflammation of the voice box (laryngitis) pneumonia, bronchitis and croup – infections of the airways and lungs.
You can avoid catching measles by having the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. If the MMR vaccine isn't suitable for you , a treatment called human normal immunoglobulin (HNIG) can be used if you're at immediate risk of catching measles.