Measles, a common disease in children aged 0-5 that parents must be aware of

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When your little one has a fever, coughs, a runny nose, or a rash on their body, parents often think that their little one may be suffering from a mild disease. But did you know that even though the symptoms may not seem serious, these could be signs of measles? If left untreated, they could be at risk of serious complications. So that your little one can grow up healthy and strong for their age, let’s get to know about measles and the prevention methods that parents should know.

What causes measles?

Measles is caused by the Rubeola virus. Which is easily transmitted and contagious. It can infect people of all ages, but complications or severe symptoms are more common in young children under 5 years of age. This virus can be transmitted through the respiratory system, sputum, nasal discharge, saliva, air droplets. Or sharing objects with an infected person. The virus can be spread from an infected person to others from 4 days. Before the rash appears until 4 days after the rash appears.

symptom

  • After 1-2 weeks of infection, the patient will have a high fever, cough, red eyes, and a runny nose.
  • Some patients will have gray-white spots inside their cheeks.
  • After 3-5 days after the onset of symptoms, a reddish-brown rash will appear on the body, starting from the head, moving to the torso and limbs.

What complications does measles cause?

  • Vomiting and diarrhea
  • Acute otitis media
  • Laryngitis and bronchitis (croup)
  • Pneumonia
  • Acute encephalitis
  • Subacute encephalitis occurs approximately 10 years after infection and is a rare complication that causes seizures and developmental regression.

Treatment of measles

Currently, there is no specific antiviral medication for measles. สมัคร ufabet กับเรา รับโบนัสทันที Treatment is supportive, including vitamin A, appropriate fluids, symptomatic treatment, and treatment of complications.

Protection

The most effective prevention is vaccination. In Thailand, the combined measles-mumps-rubella vaccine is a basic vaccine given to all children, at least 2 doses. According to the recommendations of the Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of Thailand in 2023, the first dose should be given between 9 and 12 months. Of age, and the second dose at 18 months of age. The vaccine is safe and has very little chance of serious side effects. After vaccination, patients may have a fever or a rash, but will not spread the virus to others.

However, in addition to vaccination. Direct contact with sick people should be avoided. In the case of measles, children should stay away from school until at least 4 days after the rash appears to prevent the spread of the disease. If children who have not received 2 doses of vaccine come into contact with a measles patient, they should see a doctor to consider giving the measles vaccine within 3 days after the history of exposure.

Measles, if infected, can lead to serious complications that can even lead to death. Therefore, groups at risk of measles, including children, pregnant women, and people with compromised immune systems, should be especially vigilant and protect themselves. Vaccinating against measles to build immunity will help prevent the disease effectively.