Measles Care: When to Stay Home and When to See a Doctor

There are no medicines available to cure measles, its symptoms heal on their own in a few days. However, you can do first aid for it in the following way -

• It is very important to rest when you have measles so that our body can put all its strength into fighting the disease. Rest as much as possible and do not do things that require more physical exertion. 
• Keep in mind that cleanliness is very important not only for the sick person but also for everyone around him, so wash your hands thoroughly at regular intervals. Apart from this, ask the patient to cover his mouth while coughing and sneezing. 
• Medicines like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, aspirin and paracetamol can be taken for fever and muscle pain. Remember that aspirin should not be given to children under 16 years of age. Consult a doctor before taking any medicine and read the instructions given on the packet carefully. 
• Due to fever and sweat, water starts coming out of our body and there may be a lack of water in the body. To avoid this, drink as much water as possible. If you want, you can also drink juice or herbal tea. This will also provide relief in throat problems caused by coughing. 
• For cough and throat pain, you can use a humidifier in your home or office. 
• If your child has measles and a crust is forming around his eyes and eyelids, then you can gently clean your child's eyes by wetting a piece of cotton slightly, but keep in mind that this cotton should be thrown away carefully. 
• Due to deficiency of vitamin A, the symptoms of measles can increase, so eat things that are rich in vitamin A. 
• For the symptoms of cold, you can take appropriate measures, such as taking warm liquids containing lemon and honey. This will provide relief to the respiratory tract and will also remove mucus. Keep in mind that honey should not be given to children younger than one year. 
• Do not go to work for at least 5 days after the rashes are cured and if your child has measles, do not send him to school or outside. 
• If your eyes are troubled by bright light, keep the light around you low and keep the curtains of the room closed. You can also wear sunglasses if you want. Apart from this, stay away from TV or mobile.

(Read more - Measles Virus Vaccine)

If you think you have measles or are experiencing its symptoms, go to your doctor to confirm it. You should go to your doctor immediately in the following situations -

• Shortness of breath. 
• Feeling drowsy or sleepy. 
• Increase in symptoms.
• Difficulty breathing. 
• Severe chest pain. 
• Experiencing symptoms of dehydration. 
• Coughing up blood. 
• Seizures. 
• Increase in chest pain while breathing. 
• Confused or not understanding anything. 

Measles is an infectious disease caused by a virus and is more common in children. Its symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red rash and irritation in the eyes. When suffering from measles, the patient should rest, drink enough fluids and eat light food. Take medicine as advised by the doctor to reduce fever. Take care of cleanliness to reduce skin and eye irritation. Keep the patient isolated from others to prevent the infection from spreading. The MMR vaccine is the most effective way to prevent measles. Contact the doctor immediately on any severe symptoms.