What are Measles?

Measles is an infectious respiratory disease caused by a virus. It is so harmful that it may even kill you. Measles was said to be the most common disease during childhood until vaccination was invented in 1963 to cure it.

It is generally known by appearance of symptoms such as red spots on the body (especially on the face) that increase within three days and presence of high fever. Running nose, cough, swelling in the throat and irritation in the eyes when exposed to light are some other common problems while having measles.

Being caused by a virus, there is no treatment for it. Virus takes its full course before disappearing.

It is transferable disease, which may spread by coming in contact with the affected person. The measles virus remains in the air even if the person has left the room for more than two hours.

With the advent of its vaccination, which is given to a person after his or her first birthday, people become immune to measles for their lifetime. The vaccination is called MMR vaccine (measles, mumps and rubella). But in some rare cases it can appear even after that, so all the needed attention should be taken.

The MMR vaccine can cause some side effects in kids like appearance of fever or rashes on the body but that are not measles.

Children less than 1 year of age are most likely to develop measles, as they have not got the vaccine. Those grown up without the vaccine are also prone to the measles attack.

If you develop measles during pregnancy then miscarriage or a pre-delivery may be possible.

Kids with measles should be kept under care as it can lead to several other complications like diarrhoea, ear infection, brain inflammation and even blindness, if nutritious diet is not given at the time of measles.