Is measles an infectious disease?

Measles is a common disease among children. Although children are vaccinated against measles from birth, a small number of children still get it. Measles is contagious to a certain extent. If you are unfortunately infected with it, you need to be isolated. However, don't be afraid of this disease just because it is contagious. It is still highly curable. This article introduces the relevant content about measles. If you want to know more, please take a look.

Is measles contagious?

1. Is measles contagious?

Measles can heal itself. The patient can recover on his own about ten days after the rash appears. In our country, most children are vaccinated against measles after birth. Due to the widespread vaccination, the incidence of measles in our country is getting lower and lower, but some children may still be infected due to various reasons, and the age of onset of measles is also increasing, and some adults can also get measles. Most patients can recover on their own, but if complications occur, such as tuberculosis, myocarditis, pneumonia, etc., they must go to the hospital for treatment immediately.

The patient's family must pay attention to strengthening the patient's nutrition and make it easy to digest. Also, it is important to ensure that the patient's bedroom is well ventilated and that the temperature and humidity in the room are comfortable. For those with photophobia, family members should ensure that the light in the room is as soft as possible. Currently, the best way to reduce the risk of disease is to get vaccinated, which generally requires three vaccinations, at eight months after birth, around eleven years old, and around eighteen years old. Because measles is highly contagious, in order to reduce the possibility of infection, early detection and early treatment should be achieved as much as possible, and patients must be isolated.

2. What is measles?

It is an acute infectious disease caused by the measles virus. It is highly contagious and more common in children. Its clinical features are fever, runny nose, cough, conjunctivitis, the appearance of special Koplik spots (also known as measles mucosal spots) and widespread skin maculopapular rash. Measles usually heals smoothly, but it can also cause serious complications.

It is often complicated by respiratory diseases such as otitis media, laryngotracheitis, pneumonia, measles encephalitis, subacute sclerosing panencephalitis and other serious complications.

3. Treatment of complications of measles

Pneumonia: Treatment is the same as for general pneumonia. When bacterial infection is suspected, 1 to 2 antibacterial drugs should be used for treatment. Those with severe poisoning symptoms can be treated with short-term adrenocortical hormone therapy. When symptoms improve, the dosage should be reduced and the drug should be stopped. Provide oxygen to those who are hypoxic, and give intravenous fluids if they eat little. The total amount and sodium salt should not be too much, and the speed should be slow to avoid increasing the burden on the heart. For those who are weak, seriously ill, or have prolonged illness, multiple small amounts of blood or plasma transfusions can be given, and Chinese medicine such as Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang can be used with modifications.

Laryngitis: Indoor humidity should be increased, and steam inhalation should be performed 2 or 3 times a day. Oxygen should be provided to patients with respiratory obstruction and hypoxia. Antibiotics and dexamethasone intravenous drip can be used. Acupuncture and sedatives may be helpful for those with irritability. For those with obvious laryngeal obstruction, endotracheal intubation or tracheotomy should be considered as soon as possible.