When it comes to measles meaning, it is a common illness in babies and children. Hence, it is very easy to prevent a child from having it through a vaccine. Also, it is a serious illness in infants and children that can cause death. Fortunately, the number of death around the world is decreasing over the years. It is necessary for parents to do their job in protecting their children from it. If you are a parent or a guardian, then read on to know important facts about this illness.
1. It is a Serious Illness
As you search for measles meaning, you will find signs like rashes and fever. Others think that it is just a simple illness in children that will go away after some time. However, it can cause a very serious condition and complication if left untreated. It is true, especially in younger children and infants. Also, it is hard to tell the seriousness of signs that your child will experience.
- 1 out of 5 people with measles needs hospitalization
- 1 out of 1000 can lead to brain swelling or brain damage
- Three out o 1000 can die because of it even after getting a treatment
These are numbers that come from the medical field around the world. Some common signs are:
- Coughing
- Fever
- Cold
- Red and watery eyes
- Measles rash
2. It can easily spread.
An infected person may pass the virus through sneezing and coughing. It is an illness that can spread around, especially inside the home. 9 out of 10 people around the ill person can get it if they are not protected. A child will get sick by just being inside the same room with a person who is ill. The virus is still around even two hours after the ill person left the room. Also, even before signs come out, a person can pass it to other people.
3. A child can get measles everywhere
Although most countries are successful in fighting the illness, there is still a higher chance that the virus is still around. So, a child without a shot can get it anywhere. It is still a very common health problem in many countries. People who travel from a country with high cases and with no vaccine can spread it to other countries. Therefore, anyone who is not protected from it will surely get sick after being exposed.
4. Parents can protect their Child
Today, it is very easy to safeguard a child against this illness. It is through proper vaccination that a parent can save their child. One-shot can offer long-lasting protection from the different strains that can cause measles symptoms.
The first shot is from 12 to 15 months, and the second one is from 4 to 6 years old. In case you will travel with a baby, then it is good to get the first shot at 6 to 11 months. Hence, if you will travel with a 12 months old baby, it is recommended to get two shots of the vaccine before leaving. Also, a duration of 28 days is important before the second shot.
5. Pregnancy
Pregnant mothers must be very careful to get the illness during pregnancy. Not going outside is a way not to lower down their chance of getting sick while pregnant. Above all, having it during pregnancy can have a negative effect on the baby. The bad effect is both for the mother and the baby.
Pregnant mothers can develop complications like pneumonia also other problems like:
- Loss of baby
- Low birth weight
- Death
- Early labor
The illness can also transfer to the baby inside the womb if the mother got sick before the delivery date. When it happens, the baby will have rashes after birth, called congenital measles. A pregnant woman who is at risk should contact their doctor right away.
Important Note:
Measles symptoms can appear between 1 to 12 months before the first shot of the vaccine. Therefore, it is important to feed the baby with breast milk to increase their immunity. Breastfeeding will not only protect them from measles but also other illnesses.
