Measles: A Disease Most Common in Children 

By CH Woods

Measles is a viral infection that usually infects children. A Virus is a submicroscopic parasitic particle of a nucleic acid surrounded by protein that can only replicate within a host cell. In the past this disease was fairly common while nowadays it can be avoided thanks to vaccinations. Symptoms of the measles often include a runny nose, skin rash, cough, sore throat, swollen eyes, and a fever.

The measles can seriously harm young children and can be fatal. Although the death rates are declining as more and more children are getting measles vaccine, this disease continues to kill thousands of people per year, the majority of them being children five years old and younger.



By the year 2000, the measles vaccine had practically removed measles from the United States. Even so, the measles does still affect people since many parents have not yet vaccinated their children. 

Symptoms of Measles: The symptoms of measles tend to show up one to two weeks after being infected with the virus.

Typical symptoms of this disease normally include:

• Fever
• Runny Nose
• Light Sensitivity
• Dry Cough
• Swollen Eyes
• Skin Rashes
• Sore Throat
• Koplik's Spots (Bumps within the mouth)

Risk Factors Linked to Measles

• Vitamin A Deficiency: If you lack vitamin A in your diet then you are more prone to developing measles in addition to having symptoms that are more severe.
• No Vaccination: Those who have yet to receive a vaccination for measles are at a much higher risk for catching it.
• International Travel: Unvaccinated people who visit other countries where measles occur naturally are at greater risk of getting the disease.
• Measles Complications: Measles can cause all sorts of complications, such as:
• Bronchitis and Laryngitis: Measles may result in the inflammation of your or swelling of the internal walls of your lungs. Laryngitis is an inflammation of the larynx, usually accompanied by hoarseness and coughing.
• Low Platelet Count: Measles may result in a reduction in platelets, which is the type of blood cells used for blood clotting.
• Ear Infection: Probably the most typical complication caused by the measles is an ear infection.
• Pregnancy Difficulties: Women who are pregnant will need to take special care in order to prevent measles since the condition could potentially cause low birth weight, pre-term labor, and pregnancy loss.
• Encephalitis: Around one in one thousand of those who have problems with measles will eventually have encephalitis, or an inflamed brain, which can cause symptoms like convulsions, coma, vomiting, and in some cases death. Encephalitis will either develop right after the measles occur or can take place several months after.
• Pneumonia: Pneumonia is another common complication of the measles. Those who have weakened immune systems are at a much higher risk for developing fatal cases of pneumonia

Relieve Symptoms With These Tips: If you have the measles, make sure to pay close attention to how the disease develops and watch out for possible complication.

Furthermore, to make yourself more comfortable you should follow the steps listed below:

1. Rest Often: Get the proper rest and get away from busy activities.
2. Make Use of a Humidifier: You should use a humidifier to alleviate a sore throat and cough.
3. Drink Liquids: Make sure you drink a lot of water, tea, and natural fruit juices in order to replace fluids that were lost due to sweating and fever.
4. Relax Your Eyes: If you find bright light to be irritating, as lots of people with measles do, keep the light levels low or put on sunglasses.

Additionally, refrain from watching television or using the computer since the light produced from the screens can be bothersome as well.

When to See Your Doctor: Contact your doctor if you believe you might have come in contact with the measles or if you have a rash that appears similar to the condition.
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CH Woods is the Executive Director of Organic and Environmental Products.
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