Why does measles affect children

Measles affects all age groups, data Infographic 15 Apr Period: 01 Jan - 31 Dec Twitter Facebook Linked In Mail. The material herein is provided in a format for easy adaptation. See our Legal notice. Europe Immunisation Measles Surveillance. Measles is rare in the United States thanks to widespread immunization. But millions of cases happen worldwide every year. Measles also called rubeola is caused by a virus , so there's no specific medical treatment for it.

The virus has to run its course. A child who is sick should drink plenty of liquids, get lots of rest, and stay home from school or daycare to prevent spreading the infection. The first symptoms of a measles infection are usually a hacking cough, runny nose, high fever , and red eyes.

Kids also may have Koplik's spots small red spots with blue-white centers inside the mouth before the rash starts. The red or reddish-brown rash usually begins as flat red spots on the forehead. It spreads to the rest of the face, then down the neck and torso to the arms, legs, and feet.

The fever and rash slowly go away after a few days. Measles is very contagious. In fact, 9 out of 10 people who aren't vaccinated for measles will get it if they are near an infected person. Measles spreads when people breathe in or have direct contact with virus-infected fluid.

It can pass through droplets sprayed into the air when someone with measles sneezes or coughs. Someone exposed to the virus usually shows symptoms 7—14 days later. People with measles can spread the disease from 4 days before the rash starts until about 4 days after that. They're most contagious while they have a fever, runny nose, and cough. Kids with measles should be closely watched by a doctor.

In some cases, measles can lead to other problems, such as:. The following tips may help manage symptoms:. The measles is a viral infection, and antibiotics will not help. However, a doctor may prescribe them if a person develops an additional bacterial infection. Tylenol or ibuprofen are available for purchase online. A doctor will usually recommend vaccination for those who have not had measles and do not have immunity. Newborns have immunity from their mother for several months after birth if the mother has immunity.

In some cases, however, a doctor may recommend vaccination before the age of 12 months. This may happen if there is a risk of an outbreak in the area where they live. Adults do not need a vaccine in the U. There has been concern about an alleged link between the MMR vaccine and a risk of autism. However, the CDC state that experts have found no evidence of a link. When considering whether or not to opt for vaccination, it is essential to talk to a doctor about how the risks of measles compare with the risks of a vaccine.

Learn more here about vaccination myths and facts. When it comes to chickenpox vs. For over 6 months, a year-old woman with incurable bone marrow cancer was completely clear of disease, following a single high dose of measles….

What to know about measles. Medically reviewed by Kevin Martinez, M. Pictures Symptoms Causes How does it spread? See doctor Treatment Prevention Measles vaccine and autism We include products we think are useful for our readers. How does it spread? When to see a doctor.