There is still a misconception among the population that measles is a mild disease, and the child must definitely get sick. In not so distant times, there was even a tradition in families: as soon as one member of the family fell ill, the healthy began to closely contact him in order to also become infected. Such a view is extremely erroneous and dangerous! Measles is far from a simple harmless disease. From this article you will learn how the disease proceeds, its symptoms and consequences, how many times in your life you are vaccinated against measles, and after what period of time.
How dangerous is measles?
Measles is a contagious disease transmitted by airborne droplets. It not only proceeds in an acute form, but also is fraught with complications, severe damage to the eyes, the entire nervous system, and a fatal outcome is also possible. The greatest danger to children is considered to be a weakening of the immune system, as a result of which, at best, otitis media or pneumonia can develop. Although these diseases for a particularly small child can end tragically, but in the overwhelming majority of cases, these complications are successfully managed today.
It is considered more dangerous when the virus persists in the body after recovery, while penetrating deep into the meninges. In these cases, severe, slowly progressing lesions of both the brain and spinal cord (meningitis, encephalitis, meningoencephalitis) often develop.
How to treat measles?
For many years, scientists have been trying to find a method to combat this disease. And while it was not possible to completely defeat it, nevertheless, to some extent, the course of this disease can be improved and even prevented by the introduction of gamma globulin. But it is effective only if it is introduced into the body no later than the sixth day after contact with the sick. In this case, although the infection has already occurred, the disease itself has not yet had time to develop. It is very difficult to calculate this moment, because you may not even suspect such a contact. In addition, gamma globulin protects your baby for only about three weeks, and then the protein structures of this substance break down.
Measles Prevention
The most effective protection and prevention of the disease at the moment is vaccination - measles vaccination. How many times do it, every adult should know. Vaccination is necessary for everyone, without exception, especially to preschool children, since they suffer the disease most severely.
Today, vaccines are produced of the highest quality, are monovalent (from one component) and polyvalent (from several components), the latter, in addition to measles, prevent diseases such as rubella, mumps and chicken pox.
How many times do you need to get a measles vaccine?
Everyone knows about the measles vaccine, how many times to do it and after what period of time. But few can answer this question. In different countries, the age for the first vaccination is defined differently, mainly due to the life expectancy of people, their immunity and the number of diseases. In any case, vaccination against measles several dozens of times reduces the risk of getting sick, regardless of where the person lives. Everyone needs to know why measles vaccination is so important, how many times it is given to children and adults, what interval should be observed between vaccinations.
Measles vaccine: how many times do it in Russia?
In Russia, it is mandatory to get a measles vaccine. How many times to do depends on when 1 vaccination was given:
- If at 9-12 months, then vaccination should be done 4-5 (9 months, 15-18 months, 6 years, 15-17 years, 30 years). This is due to the fact that vaccination at 9 months of age forms immunity in infants only by 80-90% (immunization is 100% at 1 year), therefore 10-20% of children need to be vaccinated again.
- If in 1 year, the vaccine will be only 3-4 (1 year, 6 years, 15-17 years, 30 years).
After vaccination within 1-2 days, the temperature may hold or a slight malaise may occur. It should be remembered that at least six months should pass between vaccinations. Today, a pediatrician or therapist is obliged to explain what measles is, how many times they are vaccinated against this disease, and why it is needed.
What to do if you or your child are still experiencing this disease?
The measles virus does not respond to the effect of drugs, so even the strongest antibiotics can not have any effect on it. The doctor prescribes treatment with medicines only in cases of development of complications.
The best and most important help in the fight against this disease will be proper patient care. The sun's rays have a deadly effect on microorganisms, and fresh air heals the body. Therefore, put the bed in a place illuminated by the rays, but so that the light does not directly enter the eyes. Ventilate the room more often and daily wipe the floor with a damp cloth. In a child with measles, the eyes often fester, all this in the form of dry crusts remains on the eyelids in the corners of the eyes. To alleviate the condition, rinse the patient's eyes with warm water boiling for several minutes. Cough and runny nose, making breathing difficult, are very painful for the disease, so the child often needs to be offered a warm drink.
What else do you need to know?
The feeding of the patient deserves much attention. Appetite during the illness will be reduced, so choose light, nutritious, and at the same time tasty and appetizing food. There is no need to follow any diet, but it is advisable to add vitamin-rich foods to the menu. Also, do not force to eat by force, but make sure that the child drank more fruit juices, fruit drinks, and tea. After eating, rinse your mouth with boiled water. This will protect against stomatitis, which is often a complication of measles.
Every adult today needs to know why a measles vaccine is needed, how many times it is given during its life, and after what period of time.