Page 31 - (DK) Home Doctor: Providing practical advice on home treatments

COMMON CONDITIONS: INFECTIOUS DISEASES 29

Measles

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that was common in
children before immunization. The incubation period is about 10 days.
At first your child has a hacking cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a
fever. After about 2–4 days, flat red or brown blotches appear on the
face, and spread to cover the body and limbs. There may be small
white spots inside the cheeks. Most children make a good recovery,
but measles can lead to ear infections and to complications such as
pneumonia and, rarely, inflammation of the brain. Child with measles rash

See your doctor first
DRUG REMEDIES
Make an appointment for your child to see
your doctor to confirm the diagnosis and get Analgesics such as acetaminophen (see
appropriate medical treatment. p.177), available as liquid medicine or chewable
pills, or ibuprofen (see p.185), available as liquid
medicine. Make sure you ask your pharmacist to
recommend an appropriate product for your child.
What you can do yourself
Measles is an unpleasant illness and at first your
child may feel very unwell. Try the following to
reduce discomfort and distress. PREVENTION
● If your child has a fever, give an analgesic to Immunization to protect against measles
reduce it (see DRUG REMEDIES, right). Dress your is given as part of the MMR (measles, mumps,
child in light clothes and put a fan in the room. rubella) vaccine. Make sure your child is immunized.
Offer your child plenty of fluids throughout the
day to replace water lost through sweating. MMR
immunization
● Although it is not necessary that your child
The vaccine
stay in bed, it is necessary that he or she rest
is given as
until the fever is gone. an injection,
● Warm drinks will help soothe a cough. usually into
the arm.
● Reduce the lighting in the room if your child's
eyes are sensitive to light.
● Warm, moist air helps soothe air passages and
loosen mucus. Create a humid atmosphere by
using a vaporizer, putting a damp towel on a radiator,
or sitting with your child in a steamy bathroom. Seek further medical advice
● Your child will be infectious for 5 days after the Arrange to see your doctor urgently if your
rash appears, and can go back to school after that child develops:
time if he or she is well and there are no ● A severe cough and/or breathing problems
complications from measles. ● An earache or an eye infection
● Vomiting
● Severe headaches, excessive drowsiness,
and/or seizures