What is measles or German measles? Symptoms and ways to treat measles
Measles, also known as German measles, is a viral infection that causes a red rash on the body. People with measles usually have a fever and swollen lymph nodes. The infection can spread from person to person through contact with droplets from an infected person's sneezes or coughs. Now, measles is still in many Rubella is common in parts of the world.. Rubella is usually a mild infection that clears up within a week even without treatment.. However, it can be a serious disease in pregnant women because it may cause congenital rubella syndrome.. The syndrome can impair the baby's development and cause serious birth defects such as heart defects, deafness, and brain damage.. If you are pregnant and suspect rubella, see a gynecologist immediately for treatment of rubella. See infertility.
What are the symptoms of measles?
Symptoms of measles are often so mild that they are barely noticeable. Symptoms usually appear within two to three weeks of exposure to the virus and often last about three to seven days, and may include:
- A pink or red skin rash that starts on the face and then spreads to other parts of the body.
- Mild fever, often below 39 degrees Celsius
- Swollen and thin lymph nodes
- Running or stuffy nose
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Swollen or red eyes
Although these symptoms may not seem serious, you should contact your doctor if you suspect rubella... This is especially important if you are sure you are pregnant.
In rare cases, rubella can lead to ear infections and swelling of the brain... Call your doctor right away if you experience any of the following symptoms during or after a rubella infection:
- Prolonged headache
- Earache
- Neck stiffness
What causes rubella?
Measles is caused by the rubella virus.. This virus is highly contagious and can be transmitted through close contact or through the air.... It may be transmitted from person to person through contact with tiny droplets of liquid from the nose and throat during sneezing and coughing.. His growth must be transmitted.People who have measles are most likely to spread the disease from a week before the rash appears to about two weeks after the rash goes away. They can spread the virus before they even know they have it.
Also read this article: Common diseases of children and their treatment methods
Who is at risk of measles?
Measles is very rare thanks to vaccines that usually provide lifelong immunity against the measles virus. Most cases of measles occur among people in countries that do not routinely immunize against measles.
The measles vaccine is usually given to children at 12 to 15 months of age and then given again at 4 to 6 years of age. This means that infants and young children who have not yet received the vaccine are at greater risk of getting measles.
To prevent the complications of this disease during pregnancy, many women who become pregnant take a blood test to confirm immunity against measles.... If you have not been vaccinated and think you have been exposed to measles, be sure to see a doctor.
What is the effect of rubella on pregnant women?
When a woman contracts rubella during pregnancy, the virus can be transmitted through the bloodstream to her developing baby.. This is called congenital rubella syndrome.. Congenital rubella syndrome is a serious health concern because it can cause miscarriage and stillbirth.. It can also cause birth defects in babies born at term, some of which include:
- Growth delay
- mental disability
- heart defects
- Deafness
- Organs with functional weakness
Women of childbearing age should be tested for rubella immunity before pregnancy. If a vaccine is needed, it should be injected at least 28 days before trying to get pregnant.
Measles detection methods
Since measles, like all other viruses, appears with a skin rash, your doctor will confirm your diagnosis with a blood test. This test can check for the presence of different types of measles antibodies in your blood. Antibodies are proteins that recognize and destroy harmful substances such as viruses and bacteria. You are immune to it.>..
Methods to treat rubella
Most cases of measles are treated at home.... Your doctor may tell you to rest in bed and take acetaminophen (Tylenol), which can help relieve the discomfort of the fever and pain.... He may also advise you to stay home from work or school to avoid spreading the virus.
Pregnant women may be treated with antibodies called hyperimmune globulin, which can fight the virus.. This can help reduce symptoms.. However, there is still a chance that your baby will develop congenital rubella syndrome.... Babies born with congenital rubella must be treated by a team of specialists..
How can I prevent measles?
For most people, vaccination is a safe and effective way to prevent measles... The measles vaccine is usually combined with the measles and mumps vaccine, as well as the varicella virus that causes chickenpox.
These vaccines are usually given to children between 12 and 15 months of age. Between 4 and 6 years of age, a booster is needed again.... Because vaccines contain small doses of the virus, they may cause a mild fever and rash.
If you don't know if you've been vaccinated for rubella, it's important to get tested, especially if:
- You are a woman of reproductive age and not pregnant
- You have just entered the educational institution
- You work or study in a medical setting
- You want to travel to a country that does not offer measles immunization
While the measles vaccine is usually not harmful, the virus in the vaccine can cause adverse reactions in some people.... If your immune system is weakened by another illness, you are pregnant, or you plan to become pregnant within the next month, you should not be vaccinated.
Finally, we recommend that if your child gets measles or rubella, you should contact your pediatrician and explain the child's condition to him.
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