Measles, Red Rashes Of Summer

What is Measles?

It's summer time again. The time of the year where viruses like Measles, also known as rubeola, are rampant. Just last month, some 570 cases of measles on children are reported all over the Philippines. This is even with vaccines against measles given free of charge on public health centers.

Signs and Symptoms
Being known for its red rash symptom, measles starts out as a hacking cough, a runny nose coupled with a high fever and a reddish eye. The red rash typically appears on forehead first then spreads its way to the face, neck, down to the rest of the body, arms and feet.


Is Measles Contagious?
Measles is highly contagious since this is a viral disease and spreads easily on the air. A person with measles is contagious from 1 to 2 days before symptoms start until about 4 days after the rash appears. The only way to avoid measles is to get vaccination.


Measles Vaccine
According to the Expanded Program on Immunization of the Philippines, children should get the Measles Vaccine (not MMR) upon reaching 9 months old. The vaccine is given in a single dose of 0.5mL.


MMR or measles-mumps-rubella-varicella immunization is also another vaccine that prevents measles. This is administered on kids between 12 to 15months old and again at 4 to 6 years old.


Treatment
There's no specific medicinal treatment for measles. Kids with measles should be given plenty of fluids and rest during the duration of the disease which lasts for about 2 weeks. If fever is high, a non-aspirin fever medication maybe given to children.


Infants and persons with disease that affects the immune system should immediately seek professional health.