|
|
|
MeaslesIntroduction Measles is a highly infectious viral illness. The illness causes a range of symptoms including fever, coughing, and distinctive red-brown spots. The infection is spread through the air through droplets of saliva. You can catch measles through direct contact with an infected person, or through the air when they cough or sneeze. The droplets can also survive, and remain contagious, on surfaces for a few hours. Measles is most common among children aged between 1-4 years of age, but anyone who has not be immunised against the condition, can catch it. Symptoms of the measles appear 9 to 11 days after the infection begins, and last up to 14 days. The condition is most infectious after the first symptoms have appeared, and before the rash has developed. Treatment for the measles is normally not necessary because the body's immune system (defence against viruses) can usually fight off infection in a couple of weeks. Typically, once somebody has fought of the measles infection, they develop immunity to it. Complications of measles include pneumonia, ear and eye infections, and croup (an infection of the lungs and throat). More serious complications, such as inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), are rarer but can be fatal. There are one million deaths world-wide from the measles every year. MMR Vaccine The most effective way of preventing measles is the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, which also provides protection against two other potentially fatal childhood conditions - mumps and rubella. The success of the MMR vaccine means that, in the UK, cases of measles are rare. However, in recent years, the number of cases of measles has been increasing. For example, there were 739 cases in 2006, compared with 70 cases during 2001. It is thought that the rise in the number of cases of measles is the result of parents not getting their child vaccinated with the MMR vaccine. This is probably due to speculation linking MMR to autism (a condition that effects the development of the brain, and can lead to problems in communication and social interaction). Publicity in 1998 highlighted a report claiming a link between the MMR jab and autism. However, numerous studies undertaken to investigate this claim found no link between the MMR vaccine and autism. Symptoms Around 9 to 11 days after getting the measles infection, the following symptoms begin to appear: Cold-like symptoms, such as runny nose, watery eyes, swollen eyelids, and sneezing. Red eyes and sensitivity to light. A mild to severe temperature, which may peak over 40.6C (105°F) for several days. After several days temperature may fall, but may go up again when the rash appears. Tiny greyish-white spots (called Koplik's spots) in the mouth and throat. Tiredness, irritability and general lack of energy. Aches and pains. Poor appetite. Dry cough. Red-brown spotty rash that appears 3 to 4 days after first symptoms, and last for up to eight days. The spots usually start behind the ears, spread around the head and neck, and after 2 to 3 days spread to the legs and the rest of the body. The spots start small but quickly get bigger and often join up together. Similar looking rashes may be mistaken for measles, but measles has a range of symptoms, not just a rash. Most childhood rashes are not measles but you should consult your GP without delay if: you suspect it is measles, symptoms worsen, temperature increases to above 38°C, temperature stays high after other symptoms have gone, or there are signs of other related illnesses (see 'complications' section). Causes Measles is caused by infection with the rubeola virus. Once infected, the virus lives in the mucus of the nose and throat. Physical contact, coughing and sneezing can spread the infection. Infected droplets of mucus may also land on a surface where they remain active and contagious for around two hours. Once inside your body, the virus multiplies in the back of your throat and lungs, before spreading throughout your body, including your respiratory system and the skin. It takes between 6-21 days for the virus to establish itself (the incubation period), but people usually show symptoms after about 10 days. Someone with measles is infectious for 2 to 4 days before the red rash appears and for about five days after it appears. Anyone who has not had measles before can be infected. However, cases of re-infection after having had the virus are extremely rare because the body will have built up immunity to the virus. About 90% of people, who are not immune from measles and are sharing a house with somebody who is infected, will develop the condition. Diagnosis Your GP will usually be able to diagnose measles from the combination of symptoms, such as the characteristic rash and the small spots inside the mouth. A simple blood or saliva test can confirm a diagnosis and identify the rubeola virus. Doctors have a duty to notify the local authority of all reported and suspected cases of measles. They will also notify the child's school if necessary. Your child should not return to school until at least five days after the appearance of the rash. Treatment In most cases of children who have measles, rest and simple measures to reduce a fever are all that are needed for a full recovery. If there are no complications, symptoms will usually disappear within 7 to10 days. There is no specific treatment for measles. Once the rash starts it is a matter of treating the symptoms until the body's immune system fights off the virus. However, you might find the advice outlined below useful. Check the child's temperature and, if it is high, try to lower it. Keep the child cool but not cold. Use liquid baby paracetamol, or ibuprofen, to relieve fever and aches and pains. Do not give aspirin to children under the age of 16. Closing curtains, or dimming lights, can help reduce light sensitivity. Damp cotton wool can be used to clean away any crustiness around the eyes. Use one piece of cotton wool per wipe for each eye. Gently clean the eye from inner to outer lid. Cough medicines are of little help. Placing a bowl of water in the room will make the atmosphere more humid which can help relieve a cough. Children over 12 months old may benefit from a teaspoon of lemon juice and two teaspoons of honey in a glass of warm water. Note that honey should not be given to babies under the age of 12 months. Avoid dehydration. Feverish small children rapidly lose water, and this makes a cough worse. Children should drink as much as possible to prevent dehydration. While antibiotics are of no use to treat the virus, they may be prescribed for any secondary bacterial infections that develop. In severe cases of measles, particularly when there are more serious complications, hospital treatment may be required. From about 4 years old you can try gently sponging the child with tepid water and 2 drops of Bergamot and 2 drops of Chamomile German essential oils. Steam inhalations can help where a sore throat accompanies the measles. Try burning Eucalyptus and Tea Tree essential oils during the infection. |
|
| Copyright © Think Aromatherapy 2008 | Web design by 7Soft.co.uk |
